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Navigating Sequence Risk in Retirement: Lessons and Strategies for Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Employees

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'Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees approaching retirement should recognize that the sequence of market returns in their early years can influence the longevity of their income far more than the average return itself, making disciplined withdrawal strategies and diversified income planning essential.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Dun & Bradstreet Holdings employees nearing retirement can benefit from understanding how market downturns early in retirement may have lasting effects, and from adopting flexible, research-based withdrawal and allocation strategies to help sustain their income over time.' – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Historical examples of sequence-of-returns risk and their effects on retirement income.
Why the first years of retirement are most critical for portfolio sustainability.
Research‑backed strategies for managing sequence risk and supporting long‑term retirement goals.

Contributed by Paul Bergeron and Brent Wolf of Wealth Enhancement

For Fortune 500 employees approaching retirement, recognizing the timing of returns—not just the average return—can be critical to keeping income going over the long term. This concept, known as sequence-of‑returns risk, shows how poor early market performance in retirement can have a lasting impact on a withdrawal plan, even if long-term averages seem strong. Historical market data provides clear examples of this risk and offers practical methods for responding to it.

Historical examples of sequence risk

Fortune 500 retirees entering retirement during tough market cycles face situations similar to the declines seen in the late 1960s, when the market hit two bear markets (1968–70 and 1973–74) alongside high inflation. The S&P 500 dropped roughly 48% during the 1973–74 bear market, compounding inflation-related difficulties. ¹ Likewise, those retiring in 2000 endured two severe bear markets in the decade, while 2022 proved one of the toughest years for balanced portfolios, with sharp drops in both U.S. stocks and high-quality bonds.

Why the early years matter most

For a Fortune 500 retiree, significant losses in the first five to ten years of retirement—combined with regular withdrawals—can shrink the number of shares left to rebound when markets recover. Academic studies and industry research repeatedly show that even with the same average return, the order of gains and losses plays a huge role in retirement outcomes.

Research-backed strategies to manage sequence risk

One effective method for Fortune 500 retirees is keeping a mix of asset types to help weather downturns. Cash and bonds can act as “shock absorbers” for immediate expenses, reducing the need to sell stocks during market dips. Flexible withdrawal approaches—such as adjusting withdrawals within set guardrails—have been shown to support portfolio longevity better than fixed-dollar withdrawal methods.

Staging risk in a retirement portfolio—by holding one to two years of expenses in cash-like assets and several years in short‑ to intermediate‑term bonds—may give equities time to recover before they're tapped for income. For some Fortune 500 retirees, delaying income sources like Social Security can help raise total lifetime income and lessen the need to tap investments during volatile times. Thoughtful rebalancing and managing tax lots, especially during downturns, can also help maintain equity exposure and extend portfolio lifespan.

Implications for retirement planning

While higher stock allocations may offer greater long-term growth potential, they also increase sequence risk in early retirement for Fortune 500 workers. Historically, balanced portfolios—often with 30% to 50% equities for income-focused funds—have supported more resilient initial withdrawal rates compared to all-stock strategies. ² Strong early-market results can set up long-term success, but disciplined spending limits, guardrails, and rebalancing remain key.

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Sources:

1.The New York Times. ' What Happens When Stock Markets Become Bears ,' by William Davis, Karl Russell, and Stephen Gandel. 13 June 2022.

2. Vanguard UK. ' Sustainable Spending Rates in Turbulent Markets ,' by Daga, Ankul, et al. Mar. 2021, pp. 1–7.

Other Resources:

1. Guyton, Jonathan T., and William J. Klinger. “ Decision Rules and Maximum Initial Withdrawal Rates .” Journal of Financial Planning , vol. 19, no. 3, Mar. 2006, pp. 48–50, 52–54, 56–58. Financial Planning Association.

2. “ Timeline of U.S. Stock Market Crashes .” Investopedia , 30 Oct. 2024, section “The 1973–74 Oil Crisis Bear Market.”

3. ' When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. ' Social Security Administration, Pub. No. 05-10147, May 2024, pp. 1–2.

4. Arnott, Amy C., CFA, and Ivanna Hampton. “ Why More Diversification Doesn’t Mean Better Returns .” Morningstar , 7 June 2024.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers its employees both a pension plan and a 401(k) plan. The pension plan, referred to as the Dun & Bradstreet Retirement Account, is based on credited service and compensation earned prior to the freeze date of July 1, 2007. This plan follows a traditional defined benefit structure, with benefits calculated using years of service and final average pay. The retirement plan's normal retirement age is typically 65, though employees may become eligible for early retirement based on age and years of service. Participants in the pension plan have access to their benefits at age 59½ with applicable reductions. Dun & Bradstreet employees who were part of the pension plan before July 1, 2007, continue to accrue benefits under this plan (Aon). The company also provides a 401(k) plan known as the Dun & Bradstreet 401(k) Plan, administered by Fidelity. Employees can contribute between 1% to 75% of their annual compensation as regular or catch-up contributions. The company matches contributions up to 7%, although the match percentage varies by employee and is subject to the IRS contribution limits. Eligibility for participation in the 401(k) plan typically requires employees to be at least 21 years old and to have completed at least 1,000 hours of service within a calendar year. The 401(k) plan is flexible, allowing employees to choose between traditional pre-tax contributions and Roth post-tax contributions

Restructuring and Layoffs: Dun & Bradstreet Holdings has been undertaking a significant restructuring plan to streamline its operations and enhance efficiency. In late 2023, the company announced a reduction in its workforce as part of this initiative. This move is aimed at consolidating its global operations and focusing on core business areas. Given the current economic and investment environment, including fluctuations in market performance and evolving tax policies, it is crucial for employees and stakeholders to stay informed about such changes. Understanding these developments can help in making informed decisions about career and investments.

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers stock options and RSUs as part of its employee compensation package. Stock options typically provide employees the right to purchase shares at a set price, while RSUs are granted as company shares without a purchase requirement. According to the 2022 10-K filing, stock options and RSUs are awarded to key employees, executives, and directors based on performance and tenure

Dun & Bradstreet Holdings offers comprehensive health benefits to its employees, designed to support their well-being and work-life balance. The company's healthcare benefits include a variety of health plans such as PPOs and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). They also provide access to dental, vision, and mental health services. Key healthcare-related terms and acronyms used by the company include: HDHP: High-Deductible Health Plan, allowing employees to pay lower premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs. HSA: Health Savings Account, available for employees enrolled in HDHPs, allowing them to save money pre-tax for medical expenses. EAP: Employee Assistance Program, providing confidential support for employees dealing with personal or work-related issues, including mental health resources. Dun & Bradstreet also encourages a holistic approach to wellness through its Wellness Program, offering employees resources and tools to maintain physical and mental health. In recent years, the company has expanded its telehealth options, allowing employees to access healthcare providers virtually, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Dun & Bradstreet Holdings at 103 JFK Pkwy Short Hills, NJ 7078; or by calling them at (800) 526-9018.

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