Principal Asset Management
Market insights and commentary from Principal Asset Management.
United States4 articlesLast published 17 Jun 2026
Multi-AssetEquitiesFixed Income
Research
Principal Asset ManagementPrivate Markets
2026 Mid-year Inside Real Estate outlook | Principal Asset Management
Principal Asset Management's mid-year 2026 update on commercial real estate (CRE) argues that the global CRE recovery remains intact despite heightened geopolitical volatility, rising yields, and a narrowing economic margin for error. The report identifies a K-shaped recovery with significant dispersion across property types and markets, highlights data centers and residential as high-conviction sectors, and recommends a diversified four-quadrant approach spanning public/private equity and debt.
17 Jun 2026
Principal Asset ManagementMulti-Asset
The real driver of retirement outcomes: Why plan design matters | Principal Asset Management
Principal Asset Management's retirement solutions leaders argue that 401(k) plan design—encompassing automatic enrollment, escalation policies, defaults, and participant communication—is the primary determinant of retirement outcomes, more so than investment menu breadth or complexity. The piece draws on NBER, Wharton, and EBRI research to support the case that behavioral defaults and guided decision-making materially improve participation and savings adequacy, while urging sponsors to prioritize foundational design before layering in innovations like private assets or in-plan income solutions.
15 Jun 2026
Principal Asset ManagementAlternatives
Alternatives in defined contribution plans: Opportunities, risks, and best practices | Principal Asset Management
Principal Asset Management examines the growing case for incorporating private alternatives—including direct real estate, private equity, private credit, and infrastructure—into defined contribution plan lineups, noting that illiquid alternatives currently represent just 0.5% of the ~$13 trillion DC market. The piece outlines six best practices for fiduciaries around liquidity management, portfolio construction, benchmarking, manager due diligence, and operational implementation, set against a March 2026 DOL proposed safe-harbor clarifying ERISA fiduciary standards for alternatives.
15 Jun 2026
Principal Asset ManagementMulti-Asset
Coping with market downturns | Principal Asset Management
Principal Asset Management examines the current volatile market environment—driven by Middle East conflict, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainty—and argues that staying invested remains the optimal strategy for long-term investors. The piece draws on historical S&P 500 bull/bear cycle data and diversification evidence to reinforce core principles: adhering to a financial plan, maintaining a diversified portfolio, and preserving a long-term perspective.
15 Jun 2026