The list of available products, services, and options for 401(k) participants just keeps growing and growing. AIM Retirement Trust of Houston, Texas is currently launching six commingled funds which it will offer to defined contribution and defined benefit plans, Michael Rome, senior vice president and institutional marketing manager, told InvestmentWires.

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"In terms of strategic thinking beyond this move, we listen to what our clients are saying. We took a competitive look at the marketplace. And that marketplace, especially the 401(k) marketplace, is growing quickly. We saw a need to offer a better pricing vehicle," Rome reported.

Currently, AIM is offering six commingled funds through this line. They will be available to plans with at least 5,000 participants and a minimum of $100 million in assets.

"For sponsors, there are two important reasons why they might offer commingled funds to their participants. The first is pricing. Commingled funds do not have the same costs associated with mutual funds. And the second is response time. As a trust, if we perceive a need for a new commingled fund, we can have one registered in 30 days. A mutual fund would take a lot longer," Rome contended.

"A commingled fund may be a prototye of a mutual fund the sponsor may have from the same constellation of funds. But it is not going to mirror that mutual fund exactly. A commingled fund is always an strong investment option for the retirement plan," he continued.

"Right now is good timing for introducing commingled funds to this market segment. 401(k) plans will continue to grow over the next five years. We expect competition for these offering. And we expect the market to grow. With that growth, it is important to have as many different kinds of products available," the official concluded. 

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