Updated: 1/30/07

As a Merck employee, you may be eligible to participate in the Merck 401(k) plan. This page is dedicated to giving you the information you need to make the most of your company's 401(k) plan.

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According to our records, your current plan options are listed below. Please let us know if there are additions or deletions to this list.

Fund Name Merck Common Stock Fund SSgA Flagship 500 Index Fund Series A T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund AXA Rosenberg US Small Cap Fund Fidelity Low Price Stock Fund Columbia Acorn Fund, Class Z American Funds EuroPacific Growth Fund, Class A Fidelity Diversified International Fund PIMCO Total Return Institutional Class Fidelity Retirement Money Market Portfolio Fidelity Freedom Life Cycle Funds

What we like about this retirement plan: This plan covers a lot of asset classes, but...

What could improve your retirement plan: We'd like to see a domestic small cap value fund added, and more international choices, including large and small cap value, and emerging markets funds. We'd also like to see a short-term bond fund added.

Our Merck 401(k) Plan Recommendations

Here are our asset allocation recommendations depending on the level of risk you decide to take. To determine your tolerance for risk so that you can choose the portfolio that's right for you, be sure to read the articles linked on our homepage. It's important that you understand the basis for our recommendations, because you'll be more likely to implement them and stay the course. If you have questions, check out our FAQs.

Aggressive Portfolio
When you want to take out all the stops and "go for it," this is the portfolio for you. Equally at home in the U.S. and abroad, this combination is a favorite of young investors with plenty of time before retirement. It's also suited for those on a fast track who want or need all the speed and distance they can get from their investments. Because 100 percent of the portfolio is in equities, the only buffer against the slings and arrows of the market is time. But if you've got the time, this is the way to go. Our expected annual return for this portfolio is 10 to 13 percent, with the likely one year loss of 30 to 40 percent.

Moderate Portfolio
This combination is a fine choice for many employees and especially for long-term investors. Its 60 percent weighting in equities gives it plenty of power for stock market growth, while the 40 percent in fixed-income provides stability and safety during declines in the market. This portfolio is most suitable for investors with five or more years until they will need their money. Our expected annual return for this portfolio is 7 to 10 percent, with the likely one year loss of 15 to 25 percent.

Conservative Portfolio
This combination stresses safety, with a mix of 40 percent equities and 60 percent fixed-income investments. It is most suitable for investors who consider themselves conservative, who are close to or past the age of retirement or who, for whatever reason, care more about holding onto their money than making it grow. Our expected annual return for this portfolio is 6 to 9 percent, with the likely one year loss of 5 to 15 percent.

 

 

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