• Find a Solution
  • What We Do
  • Funds
  • Insights
  • Creating Impact
  • About Us


    Risk considerations and disclosures

    Glossary

    Financial Grit: Ability of savers to remain focused on long-term goals, stay confident in their ability to reach retirement and willingness and to persevere through periods of hardship.

    Generation Z: those born between 1997 and 2012 Millennials: those born between 1981 and 1996 Generation X: those born between 1965 and 1980 Baby Boomers: those born between 1946 and 1964

    Year-over-year: a metric used to compare data from the current year to the previous year.

    METHODOLOGY & DEFINITIONS

    4% Rule: This rule calculates the withdrawal rate that will allow the investment portfolio to pay a consistent rate the increases with inflation yearly but doesn’t run out money over 30-year period using Monte Carlo simulations. Under the 4% Rule, the initial 4% withdrawal amount increases by inflation to pay out for 30 years.

    Monte Carlo simulation: a way to model the probability of different outcomes in a process that cannot easily be predicted due to the intervention of random variables. It is a technique used to understand the impact of risk and uncertainty.

    The case studies presented in the document represent a typical retiree’s portfolio under different sets of investments – a traditional 60% fixed income / 40% public equity portfolio, a traditional investment portfolio with an allocation to single-premium immediate annuity (SPIA), and a traditional investment portfolio with pension income – to evaluate the range of retirement investment outcomes when the retiree could incorporate sustainable income options in his / her portfolio.

    For each of the three case studies, 1,000 scenarios over each of the 30-year period are randomly generated for each year is set up for the Global Equity and US Aggregate Fixed Income asset classes. We leverage Goldman Sachs Asset Management Multi-Asset Solutions team’s forward-looking expected risk and return assumptions for this Monte Carlo simulation exercise. The portfolio returns take a weighted average of asset class returns. The simulation also considers the annual required spending of 4% (indexed to inflation rate of 1% per year) over the 30-year period. The spending amount is held consistent across all three case studies.

    The threshold for “Failure” in the analysis is determined based on the occurrence of the retiree’s portfolio running out of money at any point in the 30-year period. The rationale for this is that, given the goal of the analysis is to evaluate the sustainability of the investment strategy, a case where the retirement saver runs out of money sooner than expected would indicate that the investment strategy is not sustainable. Hence, we establish the “failure” threshold when the investment account balance reaches $0 for all three case studies.

    The expected value of investment assets over time in retirement charts for each of the three case studies showcase the range of potential portfolio balances at the end of the 30-year period, given market movements may impact all / parts of the retirement portfolio that is invested in the 60% US Aggregate Fixed Income / 40% Global Equity portfolio.

    For case study 2, the key driver that causes dispersion of ending portfolio balances is the annual percentage return of the guaranteed income portion of the portfolio ($500,000 allocated in an SPIA, which generates around 7.0% or $35,000 in annual income return. Given that spending is held constant (4% annually indexed to inflation, starting at $40,000 in year 1), the SPIA returns $35,000 and covers a majority, but not all, of the annual required spending. Taking year 1 as an example, the retiree would have to draw an additional $5,000.

    GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT 35 RETIREMENT SURVEY & INSIGHTS REPORT 2025 OCTOBER 2025

    DISCLOSURES

    THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED SOLELY ON THE BASIS THAT THEY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE INVESTMENT ADVICE AND WILL NOT FORM A PRIMARY BASIS FOR ANY PERSON’S OR PLAN’S INVESTMENT DECISIONS, AND GOLDMAN SACHS IS NOT A FIDUCIARY WITH RESPECT TO ANY PERSON OR PLAN BY REASON OF PROVIDING THE MATERIAL OR CONTENT HEREIN. PLAN FIDUCIARIES SHOULD CONSIDER THEIR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES IN ASSESSING ANY POTENTIAL INVESTMENT COURSE OF ACTION.

    All investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

    The survey was conducted by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Qualtrics Experience Management between June 27, 2025–July 21, 2025 Views expressed are those of survey respondents.

    This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities.

    Views and opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation by Goldman Sachs Asset Management to buy, sell, or hold any security. Views and opinions are current as of the date of this document and may be subject to change, they should not be construed as investment advice. Although certain information has been obtained from sources believe to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness or fairness. We have relied upon and assumed without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information available from public sources.

    This material contains information of a hypothetical retirement saver, and includes certain estimates, projections and statements which are based on certain assumptions. We make no representations regarding the reasonableness of such assumptions or the likelihood that any of such assumptions will coincide with actual retirement saver events, and this material should not be relied upon for such purposes. Actual conditions and scenarios could be better or worse.

    Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

    Goldman Sachs does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice, unless explicitly agreed between you and Goldman Sachs (generally through certain services offered only to clients of Private Wealth Management). Any statement contained in this presentation concerning U.S. tax matters is not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties imposed on the relevant taxpayer. Notwithstanding anything in this document to the contrary, and except as required to enable compliance with applicable securities law, you may disclose to any person the US federal and state income tax treatment and tax structure of the transaction and all materials of any kind (including tax opinions and other tax analyses) that are provided to you relating to such tax treatment and tax structure, without Goldman Sachs imposing any limitation of any kind. Investors should be aware that a determination of the tax consequences to them should take into account their specific circumstances and that the tax law is subject to change in the future or retroactively and investors are strongly urged to consult with their own tax advisor regarding any potential strategy, investment or transaction.

    United States: In the United States, this material is offered by and has been approved by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., which is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, this material is a financial promotion and has been approved by Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, which is authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    European Economic Area (EEA): This marketing communication is disseminated by Goldman Sachs Asset Management B.V., including through its branches (“GSAM BV”). GSAM BV is authorised and regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiële Markten, Vijzelgracht 50, 1017 HS Amsterdam, The Netherlands) as an alternative investment fund manager (“AIFM”) as well as a manager of undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (“UCITS”). Under its licence as an AIFM, the Manager is authorized to provide the investment services of (i) reception and transmission of orders in financial instruments; (ii) portfolio management; and (iii) investment advice. Under its licence as a manager of UCITS, the Manager is authorized to provide the investment services of (i) portfolio management; and (ii) investment advice.

    Information about investor rights and collective redress mechanisms are available on am.gs.com/policies-and-governance. Capital is at risk. Any claims arising out of or in connection with the terms and conditions of this disclaimer are governed by Dutch law. 

    Switzerland: For Qualified Investor use only – Not for distribution to general public. This is marketing material. This document is provided to you by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Schweiz Gmbh. Any future contractual relationships will be entered into with affiliates of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Schweiz Gmbh, which are domiciled outside of Switzerland. We would like to remind you that foreign (Non-Swiss) legal and regulatory systems may not provide the same level of protection in relation to client confidentiality and data protection as offered to you by Swiss law.

    Asia excluding Japan: Please note that neither Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (“GSAMHK”) or Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Company Number: 201329851H ) (“GSAMS”) nor any other entities involved in the Goldman Sachs Asset Management business that provide this material and information maintain any licenses, authorizations or registrations in Asia (other than Japan), except that it conducts businesses (subject to applicable local regulations) in and from the following jurisdictions: Hong Kong, Singapore, India and China. This material has been issued for use in or from Hong Kong by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited and in or from Singapore by Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Company Number: 201329851H).

    Australia: This material is distributed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Australia Pty Ltd ABN 41 006 099 681, AFSL 228948 (‘GSAMA’) and is intended for viewing only by wholesale clients for the purposes of section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This document may not be distributed to retail clients in Australia (as that term is defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) or to the general public. This document may not be reproduced or distributed to any person without the prior consent of GSAMA. To the extent that this document contains any statement which may be considered to be financial product advice in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), that advice is intended to be given to the intended recipient of this document only, being a wholesale client for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Any advice provided in this document is provided by either of the following entities. They are exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act of Australia and therefore do not hold any Australian Financial Services Licences, and are regulated under their respective laws applicable to their jurisdictions, which differ from Australian laws. Any financial services given to any person by these entities by distributing this document in Australia are provided to such persons pursuant to the respective ASIC Class Orders and ASIC Instrument mentioned below.

    • Goldman Sachs Asset Management, LP (GSAMLP), Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (GSCo), pursuant ASIC Class Order 03/1100; regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission under US laws.
    • Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (GSAMI), Goldman Sachs International (GSI), pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1099; regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority; GSI is also authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and both entities are under UK laws.
    • Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (GSAMS), pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1102; regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under Singaporean laws
    • Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (GSAMHK), pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1103 and Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC (GSALLC), pursuant to ASIC Instrument 04/0250; regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong under Hong Kong laws

    No offer to acquire any interest in a fund or a financial product is being made to you in this document. If the interests or financial products do become available in the future, the offer may be arranged by GSAMA in accordance with section 911A(2)(b) of the Corporations Act. GSAMA holds Australian Financial Services Licence No. 228948. Any offer will only be made in circumstances where disclosure is not required under Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act or a product disclosure statement is not required to be given under Part 7.9 of the Corporations Act (as relevant).
    FOR DISTRIBUTION ONLY TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, FINANCIAL SERVICES LICENSEES AND THEIR ADVISERS. NOT FOR VIEWING BY RETAIL CLIENTS OR MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

    Canada: This presentation has been communicated in Canada by GSAM LP, which is registered as a portfolio manager under securities legislation in all provinces of Canada and as a commodity trading manager under the commodity futures legislation of Ontario and as a derivatives adviser under the derivatives legislation of Quebec. GSAM LP is not registered to provide investment advisory or portfolio management services in respect of exchange-traded futures or options contracts in Manitoba and is not offering to provide such investment advisory or portfolio management services in Manitoba by delivery of this material.

    Japan: This material has been issued or approved in Japan for the use of professional investors defined in Article 2 paragraph (31) of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law (“FIEL”). Also, Any description regarding investment strategies on collective investment scheme under Article 2 paragraph (2) item 5 or item 6 of FIEL has been approved only for Qualified Institutional Investors defined in Article 10 of Cabinet Office Ordinance of Definitions under Article 2 of FIEL

    Compliance code: 458598-OTU-2368569
    Date of first use: October 02, 2025