Hewitt recently released a study which analyzes the quality of participation, plan balances, investment behavior, account activity, and demographics of over 2.7 million employees. The report shows that despite the significant decline in the stock market during 2008, most participants did not change their saving and investment behavior throughout the year.

Overall participant rates across the universe remained flat from last year. Contribution rates declined slightly. In terms of trading behavior, only one in five participants made a transfer throughout the year, similar to the year before. There was an increase in overall withdrawals, and specifically hardship withdrawals, but little change in loans.

To view the highlight of the study, please click on the PDF or Publisher's links to the right.