‘Safe’ Investments Get More Participant Transfers in June

June was another light month of trading activity in defined contribution plans, according to the Aon Hewitt 401(k) Index.

On average 0.024% balances transferred each day with three days of above-normal trading activity. Of the 22 trading days in the month, 13 had more money flow to equities than to fixed income.

However, for the month, the most popular asset classes for inflows were money market ($63 million), small U.S. equity ($56 million), and GIC/stable value funds ($41 million). The most common classes for outflows were company stock ($87 million), bond ($75 million), and specialty/sector ($28 million).

Target-date funds continued to receive the majority of new contributions into individuals’ accounts ($342 million).

When combining contributions, trades, and market activity in June, participants’ overall allocation to equities increased slightly to 67.0% from 66.7% in May. Future contributions to equities also jumped to 67.2% from 66.9% at the end of May.

Trading activity in the second quarter of 2015 was higher than the first quarter—0.43% versus 0.31%—mostly due to higher-than-normal trading activity in May. For the quarter, more money traded out of equity funds and into fixed income instruments.