Q4 2023 Plan Universe Allocation and Return Analysis

This report presents the Q4 2023 Investment Metrics Plan Universe Allocation and Return Analysis, which highlights the performance of defined benefit plans during the fourth quarter, noting it as the strongest quarterly performance in three years. The report indicates that defined benefit plans achieved a median return of 8.38%, with U.S. equity performance driving this rebound, particularly as markets rallied towards the end of the year. The report details that corporate defined benefit plans, which had a median return of 9.97%, outperformed all other plan types, while Taft-Hartley plans lagged with a median return of 7%. Additionally, the report outlines how corporate plans decreased equity allocations and increased fixed income allocations in response to market conditions. The analysis encompasses historical performance comparisons and allocation trends, providing insights into how different plan types navigated the economic landscape during the quarter.