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- Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.
  
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- Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.
  
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- Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.
  
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  From our origins as a small Wall Street partnership to becoming a global firm of more than 80,000 employees today, Morgan Stanley has been committed to clients and communities for 90 years.
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- Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.
  
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- Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.
  
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- Since our founding in 1935, Morgan Stanley has consistently delivered first-class business in a first-class way. Underpinning all that we do are five core values.
  
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Taft-Hartley Plan Research Survey

Discover insights from 150 Taft-Hartley decision-makers on how they’re meeting today’s challenges and opportunities.

Our comprehensive study surveyed 150 decision-makers from Taft-Hartley plans to understand how they’re navigating today’s challenges and opportunities. Here’s what we found:

1. Economic Headwinds Challenge Plans: 86% of plans cited market volatility and slowing growth as threats to their ability to sustain defined benefits. Plans need strategies that help ensure financial stability while meeting return targets.

2. Education Gap Creates Risk: Only 27% of plans train their board members, yet 60% recognize the value. Plans need stronger education on regulatory compliance, risk management and fiduciary duties. Participants face similar challenges, as only 21% of respondents believe their members have adequate retirement planning resources.

3. Hybrid Models Win: Many plans (63%) prefer a hybrid consultant approach. Trustees keep control over key decisions while tapping consultant knowledge where it counts.

4. Alternative Investments Surge: Nearly all DB plans (94%) now invest in alternatives, with private equity leading. This strategic shift helps plans enhance returns and manage risk in volatile markets.

Taft Hartley Plan Survey

For a deeper dive into these findings, download the full survey.

Download the Survey

Ideas Consultant Discretion: Assessing the Spectrum of Solutions The insourcing vs. outsourcing decision is not an either/or proposition. There is a spectrum of options available, allowing boards to determine what level of discretion is appropriate for their organization.

ideas 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Joining an Investment Committee If you are considering joining an investment committee, ask yourself these questions to discern whether this role is a good fit for your experience, personality, and skillset.

Ideas Consultant Discretion: Assessing the Spectrum of Solutions

ideas 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Joining an Investment Committee

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Discover a full spectrum of investment consulting and customized solutions for institutional investors.

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Footnotes:

¹2025 Taft-Hartley Plan Research, Graystone Consulting from Morgan Stanley.

Disclosures:

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

Alternative investments often are speculative and include a high degree of risk. Investors could lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. Alternative investments are appropriate only for eligible, long-term investors who are willing to forgo liquidity and put capital at risk for an indefinite period of time. They may be highly illiquid and can engage in leverage and other speculative practices that may increase the volatility and risk of loss. Alternative Investments typically have higher fees than traditional investments. Investors should carefully review and consider potential risks before investing.

When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account.

CRC# 4817422 (10/2025)

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