When compared to 47 other countries, the U.S. retirement system ranked 22 and received an overall C+ grade, according to the latest Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index, which examines systems in countries across the world.
The U.S. scored 63 out of 100, down from last year’s 63.9 and just squeaking in above the 62.9 average of all countries.
By the numbers: The top three countries are:
- No. 1 Netherlands (score of 85/100)
- No. 2 Iceland (83.5)
- No. 3 Denmark (81.3)
Go deeper: Falling birth rates, high inflation/interest rates, transitioning away from guaranteed pensions to defined contribution plans (which places all of the risk for saving on individuals), and an increase in gig workers have all put pressure on retirement systems around the world, according to the research.
