T. ROWE PRICE EXPERTS REVEAL WHAT'S AHEAD FOR RETIREMENT

Rhea-AI Summary

T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ:TROW) held its annual U.S. Retirement Market Outlook briefing on Jan. 28, 2026, outlining key themes for 2026: integrating private assets into retirement portfolios, AI-driven service transformation, rising demand for personalized advice, and regulatory changes expanding coverage for gig and independent workers.

The firm emphasized research-based insights and actionable solutions to help plan sponsors and savers navigate evolving markets and policy shifts.

Key Figures

Outlook year: 2026

1 metrics

Outlook year 2026 U.S. Retirement Market Outlook focus year

Market Reality Check

Price: $105.25 Vol: Volume 1,104,428 is below...

low vol

$105.25 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,104,428 is below the 20-day average of 1,638,048 (relative volume 0.67x). low

Technical Price $105.31 is trading above the 200-day MA of $101.12 and 11% below the 52-week high of $118.32.

Peers on Argus

TROW slipped 0.74% while peers showed mixed moves: CG -1.66%, TPG -1.58%, PFG -0...

TROW slipped 0.74% while peers showed mixed moves: CG -1.66%, TPG -1.58%, PFG -0.72%, but NTRS +0.05% and OWL +0.21%. This points to stock-specific rather than broad sector momentum.

Common Catalyst Several asset management peers reported routine corporate updates (conference participation, leadership appointments) without a clear, unified sector catalyst.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 22 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 22	Acquisition financing	Positive	+0.9%	OHA co-arranged unitranche financing supporting Berkshire’s acquisition of UFT.
Jan 22	Product partnership	Positive	+0.9%	Launch of Custom Premier personalized, tax-efficient portfolios for RIAs with Vestmark.
Jan 22	Leadership transition	Positive	+0.9%	Planned TRPIM leadership handover with AUM of <b>$1.78 trillion</b> disclosed.
Jan 15	Tender offer results	Neutral	-0.8%	Data Storage completed tender, buying 5.63M shares at <b>$5.20</b> each.
Jan 15	Podcast release	Positive	+1.2%	Special T. Rowe Price podcast episode with Sir Niall Ferguson on financial history.

Pattern Detected

Recent TROW-related news, including partnerships and leadership updates, has generally coincided with modestly positive price reactions.

Recent Company History

Over recent weeks, T. Rowe Price-related headlines covered strategic financing activity via Oak Hill Advisors on Jan 22, 2026, a “Custom Premier” personalized portfolio launch with Vestmark the same day, and a TRPIM leadership transition announced on Jan 22, 2026. Earlier, a special podcast episode with historian Sir Niall Ferguson was released on Jan 15, 2026. These announcements, alongside a separate Data Storage tender offer, have typically seen small single-day moves around ±1%.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement outlines T. Rowe Price’s research-based perspective on the 2026 U.S. retirement la...

Analysis

This announcement outlines T. Rowe Price’s research-based perspective on the 2026 U.S. retirement landscape, emphasizing private markets, AI, personalization, and policy developments. Set against recent strategic launches and leadership updates, it reinforces the firm’s role as an industry thought leader rather than signaling a discrete financial catalyst. Investors may watch how these themes translate into products, client adoption, and assets under management as the 2026 outlook unfolds.

Key Terms

private markets, artificial intelligence (ai), defined contribution, erisa litigation

4 terms

private markets financial

"New frameworks for integrating private markets into retirement plans are reshaping..."

Private markets are places where investors buy and sell ownership in companies, debt, or assets that are not listed on public stock exchanges — think direct stakes in a start-up, private company, real estate project, or loan. They matter to investors because these deals can offer higher potential returns and diversification but come with less transparency, limited ability to sell quickly, and more uncertainty, like owning a whole house versus trading shares of a real estate fund.

artificial intelligence (ai) technical

"Accelerating impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI and technology innovation are..."

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. For investors, AI can enhance how businesses analyze data, automate processes, and innovate, potentially leading to increased efficiency and new opportunities in the market.

defined contribution financial

"Brandon Shea, defined contribution strategist; and Rachel Weker, retirement..."

A defined contribution plan is a retirement savings arrangement where the amount put into an employee’s account is fixed by a formula or contribution schedule, but the final payout depends on how the invested money performs. Think of it as a personal savings pot that grows or shrinks with market returns; for investors, it matters because companies offering these plans have more predictable short-term costs but shift long-term retirement risk onto employees, affecting corporate liabilities, cash flow and workforce stability.

erisa litigation regulatory

"retirement income solutions and ERISA litigation reform remain one the legislative horizon."

ERISA litigation is legal action brought under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, where employees, plan participants, or regulators accuse a company or its managers of mismanaging retirement or health benefit plans. Think of it like a lawsuit alleging a trustee mishandled a family savings account; outcomes can force payouts, fines, or changes in management and can affect a company’s cash flow, credit and investor confidence.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Experts discuss outlook for 2026 and beyond, including the integration of private assets, the transformative role of AI, the demand for personalized advice, and developments in public policy

BALTIMORE, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- T. Rowe Price, a global asset management firm and a leader in retirement, today held its annual U.S. Retirement Market Outlook press briefing, offering research-based insights on major themes expected to shape the retirement landscape in 2026. A panel of the firm's experts explored how these trends may influence decision-making across the retirement industry and for retirement savers in the year ahead.

"The U.S. retirement system is at a pivotal moment—shaped by evolving regulation, rapid technological change, and a renewed focus on how to best meet the diverse needs of plan participants," said Michael Davis, head of global retirement strategy at T. Rowe Price and host of the panel. "Our commitment at T. Rowe Price is to help clients stay ahead of these changes and deliver innovative solutions that pave the way for better retirement outcomes."

The panel featured commentary from Aliya Robinson, director of congressional affairs; Jessica Sclafani, global retirement strategist; Brandon Shea, defined contribution strategist; and Rachel Weker, retirement strategist.

Key topics from the discussion included:

• Building more resilient retirement portfolio solutions: New frameworks for integrating private markets into retirement plans are reshaping diversification and risk management. Asset allocators are building more robust and diversified portfolio solutions to address evolving market complexities.
• Accelerating impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI and technology innovation are transforming retirement services, driving efficiencies, and improving participant engagement. The potential impact is substantial, as the landscape shifts from possibility to profitability.
• Demand for personalized advice solutions: As financial priorities expand and stress increases for participants, the need for individualized guidance—whether human or digital—has become central to confident retirement decision-making.
• Regulatory and Legislative developments: New legislation and guidance are expanding coverage to gig workers and independent contractors, who often lack traditional employer-sponsored retirement plans. In addition, retirement income solutions and ERISA litigation reform remain one the legislative horizon.

Davis continues, "As the retirement landscape continues to evolve, T. Rowe Price remains focused on delivering forward-looking insights and actionable solutions so that our clients can navigate change with confidence and take meaningful steps toward long-term financial security."

The full detailed 2026 Retirement Market Outlook can be found here.

ABOUT T. ROWE PRICE
T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ-GS: TROW) is a leading global asset management firm, entrusted with managing $1.78 trillion in client assets as of December 31, 2025, about two-thirds of which are retirement-related. Renowned for over 85 years of investment excellence, retirement leadership, and independent proprietary research, the firm leverages its longstanding expertise to ask better questions that can drive better investment decisions. Built on a culture of integrity and prioritizing client interests, T. Rowe Price empowers millions of investors worldwide to thrive amidst evolving markets.

Visit troweprice.com/newsroom for news and public policy commentary.

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SOURCE T. Rowe Price Group

FAQ

What did T. Rowe Price (TROW) say about private assets in retirement plans on Jan. 28, 2026?

T. Rowe Price said private assets are being integrated to boost diversification and risk management. According to T. Rowe Price, new frameworks aim to make portfolios more resilient by reshaping allocation approaches and addressing evolving market complexities for plan sponsors and participants.

How does T. Rowe Price view the role of AI in retirement services for 2026?

T. Rowe Price expects AI to materially transform retirement services through efficiency and engagement gains. According to T. Rowe Price, the shift moves from theoretical potential to practical profitability, improving participant experiences and operational workflows across retirement providers.

What did T. Rowe Price say about demand for personalized retirement advice (TROW) in 2026?

T. Rowe Price highlighted growing demand for individualized advice—digital or human—to support decision-making. According to T. Rowe Price, expanded financial priorities and participant stress are increasing the need for tailored guidance to improve confidence and retirement outcomes.

What regulatory and legislative developments did T. Rowe Price outline affecting retirement in 2026?

T. Rowe Price noted laws and guidance expanding coverage to gig and independent workers and ERISA litigation reform on the horizon. According to T. Rowe Price, these changes could broaden access to employer-style retirement solutions for nontraditional workers.

How should investors interpret T. Rowe Price's 2026 retirement outlook for plan sponsors and participants?

T. Rowe Price presented the outlook as research-driven guidance to help stakeholders adapt to policy, tech, and market shifts. According to T. Rowe Price, the briefing aims to inform plan design, risk management, and participant engagement strategies for 2026.

Where can investors find the full 2026 Retirement Market Outlook from T. Rowe Price (TROW)?

Investors can access the full 2026 Retirement Market Outlook directly from T. Rowe Price resources. According to T. Rowe Price, the detailed report provides expanded analysis and practical recommendations for plan sponsors and retirement savers in 2026.