SEATTLE, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ShareBuilder 401k, a leading provider of retirement plans for small and mid-size business owners and their employees, is expanding its All-ETF 401(k) platform with the addition of five new funds aimed at helping investors diversify, preserve and grow assets over time and through various market conditions.

Effective March 1, ShareBuilder 401k's easy-to-use, cost effective retirement planning platform for businesses ranging from self-employed to mid-size companies has added the following funds to its All-ETF 401(k) lineup:

• iShares Gold Fund (IAU);
• PowerShares General Commodities Fund (DBC);
• iShares Socially Responsible Fund (KLD);
• SPDR's International Bond Fund (BMX); and
• PowerShares Emerging Market Bond Fund (PCY).

"We're pleased to enhance our All-ETF 401(k) with access to new commodities, international fixed income, emerging markets and socially responsible funds," said Stuart Robertson, ShareBuilder 401k general manager.  "These funds offer important diversification options to help investors preserve and grow investments through varying economic climates while, at the same time, address the growing demand for socially responsible investments." 

Historically, asset classes perform differently as economic growth and inflation fluctuates.  For example, during strong economic growth periods with low inflation, stocks have performed well.  However, when the economy slows and there is high inflation, gold and commodities have outperformed other asset classes. 

ShareBuilder 401k now offers access to a total of 20 ETFs and one money market fund.  As ShareBuilder 401k is not a fund provider, it takes an unbiased approach in the evaluation and selection of funds with a focus on low-expense investments from the leading ETF providers.  Plan participants may select funds independently or choose from five model portfolios designed and managed by ShareBuilder's in-house investment committee.  Each plan is fully-supported with access to 401(k) consultants, customer success managers, implementation specialists and customer care for each participant.

"Our goal is to provide a quality, low-cost, easy-to-use platform where employees can create customized, adjustable, goals-based plans and feel confident about their financial futures," Robertson said.

For more information on ShareBuilder 401k, visit www.sharebuilder401k.com, or call 800-943-6108 (extension1).

About ShareBuilder 401k

ShareBuilder 401k provides easy-to-use, cost-efficient 401(k) retirement plans for small businesses ranging from the self-employed to those with 500 or more employees.  ShareBuilder 401k is a leader in providing 100 percent index-based ETF investments (plus a money market) in 401(k) plans.  ShareBuilder 401k offers a suite of on-demand services that make it simple for employers and employees to open and manage their retirement plans online at www.sharebuilder401k.com.   ShareBuilder 401k plans provide market-efficient investments and model portfolios that make it easy for employees to select the smart investments to help them get on track to meet their retirement goals.  Customers can also take advantage of ShareBuilder 401k consultants, customer success managers, and customer care agents to receive assistance in choosing and managing their retirement benefits.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the fund before investing. This and other important information is contained in the prospectus (http://content.sharebuilder.com/MgdCon/Core/QuotesResearch/ETFProspectus/) which should be read carefully before investing.

Advisory services are provided by ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. ShareBuilder Advisors, LLC, is a subsidiary of ING Bank, fsb. ING Bank, fsb, and its subsidiaries, including ShareBuilder Corporation, have been acquired by Capital One Financial Corporation and are no longer affiliated with ING Groep N.V. ("ING"). The trademarks ING, ING DIRECT, ING Lion, and the ING Lion logo, alone or as a part of any trademark, logo, work or domain name are trademarks of ING and are used by permission.

401(k) plans are: Not FDIC insured – Not Bank guaranteed – May lose value

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Alison Cahill Rouse (917) 653-7592
acrouse@ingdirect.com

SOURCE ShareBuilder 401k