US: 401(k) plan trends to watch in 2012

This year will bring about a number of changes in 401(k) plans. Some are driven by consumers demanding better investment choices, lower fees, and help to improve the performance of their portfolios. Others are mandated by the government in an effort to protect workers as they strive to save enough for retirement. Here's a look at 9 major developments to watch in the year ahead:

1. Higher contribution limits. 2. Improved fee disclosure. 3. Declining fees. 4. More ways to get advice. 5. More companies restoring 401(k) matches. 6. Larger number of ETFs and index-fund selections. 7. Automatic features will rise. 8. Options for generating income will grow. 9. Number of multiple employer plans will climb.

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