Federal retirement plan should consider climate change: GAO

Federal retirement plan should consider climate change: GAO
The board overseeing the Thrift Savings Plan, which has 6 million active and retired participants, says that it subscribes to a strict indexing discipline.
JUN 25, 2021

After reviewing literature and conducting interviews with stakeholders knowledgeable about climate change and financial markets, the Government Accountability Office has found that federal employees saving for retirement in the government’s Thrift Savings Plan could be exposed to financial risks from climate change.

It has recommended that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, which oversees the TSP, evaluate its investment offerings in light of those risks. The GAO report says the board didn't indicate whether it agreed or disagreed with the recommendation and said that it subscribes to a strict indexing discipline and efficient market theory.

“Climate change is expected to have widespread economic impacts and pose risks to investments held by retirement plans, including the federal government's TSP,” the GAO said in a release. “As of November 2020, TSP had six million active and retired federal employee participants and nearly $700 billion in assets.”

The GAO said that when it confirms what actions, if any, the agency has taken in response to its recommendation, it will provide updated information.

Latest News

IRA assets swell to $19.2 trillion as 401(k) rollovers drive growth
IRA assets swell to $19.2 trillion as 401(k) rollovers drive growth

IRAs now hold nearly twice the assets of 401(k) plans — and most of that money didn't arrive through annual contributions.

Women feel confident about saving, but many still keep cash in low-yield accounts
Women feel confident about saving, but many still keep cash in low-yield accounts

A new survey finds that many women prioritize financial security but continue to leave savings in accounts that may not keep pace with inflation.

SEC seeks comment on prediction-market ETFs after May pause
SEC seeks comment on prediction-market ETFs after May pause

Roundhill, Bitwise and GraniteShares funds remain on hold while the agency weighs how novel ETFs should be regulated.

Dump investment banks, buy alternative asset managers, says Oppenheimer
Dump investment banks, buy alternative asset managers, says Oppenheimer

"Shares of alternative assets managers have lagged this year as investors grow wary of private-credit exposure."

TaxStatus rolls out rules-based tool to flag advice gaps
TaxStatus rolls out rules-based tool to flag advice gaps

The fintech platform is touting a new AI-free Planning Observations feature, which draws on IRS tax records to uncover opportunities for advisors.

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.