Summary

Collective investment trusts (CITs) have become an increasingly important part of the retirement investment landscape. In this Fast Fact, the Public Retirement Research Lab takes a closer look at the use of CITs in public-sector 401(a) and 457(b) plans, including how CIT assets are distributed and the types of investments being held within these vehicles. Drawing on year-end 2024 data covering nearly 2 million public-sector DC plan participants and more than $154 billion in assets, the analysis provides a unique window into the prevalence of CITs in the public-sector retirement market. For public plan sponsors, retirement professionals, policymakers, and others following investment design and plan management, the Fast Fact offers a timely perspective on the role of CITs within public-sector defined contribution plans.