Voya Survey: Target-Date Funds Boost Retirement Confidence, Drive Higher Savings
Event summary
- 71% of employed TDF investors feel confident about retirement goals vs. 58% of non-investors
- 91% of TDF investors say funds reduce retirement planning stress vs. 73% of non-investors
- 61% of TDF investors contribute >5% of salary annually vs. 50% of non-investors
- Survey conducted with 1,100+ participants in March-April 2025
- Voya IM manages $360B in assets as of December 31, 2025
The big picture
Voya's findings highlight how target-date funds are becoming critical tools in the retirement planning ecosystem, addressing both the emotional and practical challenges of saving for retirement. The survey results suggest TDFs create a virtuous cycle of higher engagement, reduced stress, and increased contributions - a strategic advantage for asset managers as defined contribution plans grow in importance. With $360B in AUM, Voya is positioning itself as a leader in this space, but must demonstrate how these insights translate into tangible growth.
What we're watching
- Product Differentiation
- Whether Voya can leverage TDF features like enhanced diversification and multi-manager approaches to maintain competitive edge
- Participant Behavior
- How sustained confidence among TDF investors will impact long-term savings rates and retirement outcomes
- Market Positioning
- The pace at which Voya can convert survey insights into plan sponsor adoption and advisor recommendations
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