PRESS RELEASE
Treasurer Malek Calls for China-Free Investment Option in MOST 529 Plan
In a letter sent today, Treasurer Malek wrote, “While it is ultimately the decision of plan participants to choose their investment options, Missouri families deserve a college savings plan that offers sound, diversified options grounded in long-term performance and prudent risk management.” He noted that “the MOST 529 Plan does not offer a total international stock index strategy that excludes the PRC,” a gap he called “no longer defensible for a program serving nearly 200,000 Missourians.” Treasurer Malek cited Vanguard’s own risk disclosures, which describe Chinese investments as carrying “considerable degrees of social and humanitarian, legal, regulatory, political, and economic uncertainty.” He also referenced recent performance data showing that international funds excluding China have outperformed those that include it.JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek has called on Ascensus, Program Manager of the MOST 529 Education Plan, to work with the program investment manager, Vanguard, and develop a total international stock index investment option that excludes exposure to Chinese equities.
