MassMutual Introduces New Actively Managed Target Date Fund Series For Retirement Plan Savers

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A new family of target date funds (TDFs) introduced by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) features active management and dynamic tactical asset allocation by T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. to enhance return potential and help mitigate risks.

The MassMutual Select T. Rowe Price Retirement Funds are designed to address a spectrum of risks, including inflation, longevity, and market risks, which retirement savers face during their accumulation years and through retirement. The new TDF family is available exclusively to participants in retirement plans sponsored by MassMutual.

"MassMutual knows based on our experience as a recordkeeper that many retirement savers invest either too conservatively when starting to save for retirement or, conversely, too aggressively as they approach retirement," said Tina Wilson, head of investment solutions innovation. "T. Rowe Price's target date fund solution seeks to provide savers sufficient assets at retirement to withdraw from at and through retirement, the ability to withdraw money needed to support living expenses over their lifetimes, and a potential buffer to assist with unexpected expenses, such as health care costs."

"We are excited to work with MassMutual as the subadvisor on this actively managed target date solution," commented George Riedel, head of U.S. Intermediaries, T. Rowe Price.  "As one of the leaders in target-date investing in the U.S. with proven expertise and demonstrated strong long-term performance, we believe these funds can help Mass Mutual clients achieve their retirement goals."

Recent research by MassMutual indicates that many retirees and pre-retirees continue to favor active management as an investment strategy. Nearly half (47 percent of pre-retirees; 49 percent of retirees) say they have assets invested in actively managed mutual funds, according to the MassMutual Retirement Savings Risk Study¹. In addition, 80 percent of pre-retirees and 71 percent of retirees find active management appealing as an investment strategy.

However, some retirees and pre-retirees may be taking too much risk with their retirement savings. Eighty-eight percent of retirees and 73 percent of pre-retirees who rely on a financial advisor report that their advisor has recommended they invest more or somewhat more conservatively than they currently do, the MassMutual study reports.

"While risk differs between investors, it can be difficult for retirees and pre-retirees to recover from losses, especially five years before and into retirement," Wilson said. "Investing in the MassMutual T. Rowe Price Select TDF is an important investment consideration when retirees depend upon those assets for income to support their lifestyle. The firm is a pioneer in the target-date space, and their commitment to dedicated asset allocation research and development coupled with an experienced portfolio management team provides financial intermediaries and plan sponsors with a very compelling solution."

The collaboration between T. Rowe Price and MassMutual underscores the alignment of both firms' approaches in helping savers achieve their retirement goals.

For more information about The MassMutual Select T. Rowe Price Retirement Funds, go to https://wwwrs.massmutual.com/retire/mmfunds/ourfunds.html.

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE
Founded in 1937, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price (troweprice.com) is a global investment management organization with $1.01 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2018. The organization provides a broad array of mutual funds, subadvisory services, and separate account management for individual and institutional investors, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries. The company also offers a variety of sophisticated investment planning and guidance tools. T. Rowe Price's disciplined, risk-aware investment approach focuses on diversification, style consistency, and fundamental research.

About MassMutual
MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

Contacts:
David Potter
MassMutual Media Relations
860-562-1525
[email protected]

Katrina Clay
T. Rowe Price Public Relations
410-375-8800
[email protected]

¹MassMutual Retirement Savings Risk Study, https://www.massmutual.com/-/media/Files/MM%20Risk%20Study%20Report.pdf

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss or principal.

Generally, target date funds are designed to be held beyond the presumed retirement date to offer a continuing investment option during retirement. The principal value of these funds is not guaranteed at any time, including at the target maturity date.

RS-45114-00

SOURCE MassMutual