Wealth Management

Morningstar’s latest Retirement Plan Landscape report finds that while the average cost of workplace retirement plans continues to decline, expenses still vary significantly—especially for those in smaller plans, who often pay nearly three times as much as participants in large plans. 

 

These cost discrepancies stem largely from economies of scale, with larger employers able to spread administrative expenses more efficiently. Despite the variation in fees, most participants across plans have access to high-quality investments, with over 94% of defined-contribution assets allocated to Morningstar Medalist-rated options. 

 

The report highlights that even small plans can be cost-effective, with 20% of them coming in below the median cost for medium-sized plans. However, more than $600 billion has exited workplace retirement plans annually since 2020, often due to rollovers into IRAs when employees change jobs. 


Finsum: Investors should carefully weigh whether their workplace plan offers better value through low fees and strong investment options before making such moves.

 

With a sea of business books available, finding the right one can be overwhelming for entrepreneurs, which is why this curated 2025 reading list highlights the essential titles. 

  1. Kathryn Finney’s “Build the Damn Thing” empowers underrepresented founders with practical strategies and an unapologetic call to action for claiming space in business. 
  2. Andy Dunn’s “Burn Rate” offers a raw, introspective look at the mental health toll of scaling a startup, blending startup success with personal vulnerability. 
  3. “Competing in the Age of AI” by Iansiti and Lakhani explores how AI is reshaping business operations and provides a roadmap for leaders ready to embrace algorithmic thinking. 
  4. Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead” shifts the leadership conversation toward courage, empathy, and authenticity, qualities vital for modern entrepreneurs. 

Finsum: Whether navigating funding, scaling teams, or redefining leadership, these books offer timely insights for anyone building a business in 2025.

After a record-setting 2024, Europe’s private equity market entered 2025 under pressure from geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic uncertainty, and waning investor confidence. 

 

Deal activity declined notably in Q1, with total value dropping 24.6% and a sharp pivot toward smaller, strategic add-on deals indicating a defensive investment posture. Exit activity also slowed, with a 25.2% drop in exit count and extended holding periods, as firms waited out volatile public markets and weak valuation multiples. 

 

Yet some regions, like the Nordics and DACH, outperformed thanks to local stability and stronger monetary frameworks. On the fundraising front, European PE firms raised €23.7 billion in Q1, with strong interest in mid-market vehicles and new entrants like Thoma Bravo signaling optimism. 


Finsum: Despite near-term caution, the market showed resilience and adaptability, laying the groundwork for a more stable second half.



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