New research shows that 60% of investment earnings can come after retirement

    Russell Retirement Essentials Portfolio launches with key message to
    Canadians: "Don't retire from investing. Invest for retirement."

    TORONTO, April 2 /CNW/ - If investors are worried about what the current
market conditions are doing to their retirement nest egg - have no fear -
there's ample time to make up those losses. According to new research by
Russell Investments, as much as 60% of retirement portfolio growth can come
from investment returns earned after retirement.
    "Too often, fear and anxiety are associated with retirement. However,
reassurance can come in the form of an investment plan, working with a
Financial Advisor, and investing in retirement solutions that can continue to
grow during retirement. Investors can also feel more assured knowing that
close to 60% of retirement income can be attained during retirement - Just
because you retire doesn't mean your portfolio has to as well," says Irshaad
Ahmad, President and Managing Director of Russell Investments Canada.
    This different way of thinking about retirement is part of the innovative
strategy behind the launch of the Russell Retirement Essentials Portfolio
("RREP"). The portfolio's 35% allocation to equities and 65% allocation to
bonds can generate the consistent monthly distributions needed to cover
essential retirement expenses such as housing, groceries, health care and
insurance, among other costs of living. The RREP's strategic allocation to
equities allows the portfolio to retain an element of growth that may help
replenish capital. It is ideal for investors who want long-term, consistent,
tax-efficient cash flow of 5%, 6%, or 7% throughout their retirement years.
    "We all know the power of compound interest over time. But what really
struck us about the research was the high percentage of retirement portfolio
returns that could be generated after retirement," says Ahmad.
    "That's why it is important to remain invested in some allocation to
equities during your retirement years. You need to continue to grow your
portfolio to protect against inflation and rising costs such as health care.
Keep in mind that it's not the end of the investment journey when you stop
working. In fact, the journey isn't even half over when you retire."
    The RREP is based on the distinctive Russell 10/30/60 Retirement Rule.
Unlike many other retirement strategies that estimate investors need a large
portfolio to retire comfortably, the Russell 10/30/60 Rule concludes that
investment earnings during retirement could come from 10% initial savings
during the working years, 30% pre-retirement investment growth, and as much as
60% from growth after retirement - this all depends on having the right asset
mix of bonds and equities.
    The Russell Retirement Essentials Portfolio is part of Russell's complete
retirement investment solution, which feature a full range of retirement
portfolios optimized for three distinct retirement needs: Essentials,
Lifestyle, and Estate.
    For more information on the Russell Retirement Essentials Portfolio or
research details regarding the Russell 10/30/60 Retirement Rule, please visit
www.dontretirefrominvesting.com
    For interviews or comments for this story please contact Irshaad Ahmad
[phone]

    About Russell

    Russell Investment Group provides strategic advice, world-class
implementation, state-of-the-art performance benchmarks and a range of
institutional-quality investment products. With more than C$225 billion in
assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2007, Russell Investments serves
individual, institutional and advisor clients in more than 40 countries.
Russell Investments provides access to some of the world's best money
managers. It helps investors put this access to work in corporate defined
benefit and defined contribution plans, and in the life savings of individual
investors.
    Founded in 1936, Russell Investments is a subsidiary of Northwestern
Mutual and is headquartered in Tacoma, Wash., with additional offices in
New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Sydney, Singapore, Auckland and Tokyo.
    Russell Investments Canada Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Frank
Russell Company. For more information, please go to www.russell.com/ca.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may
be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before
investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and
past performance may not be repeated.
    Nothing in this publication is intended to constitute legal, tax
securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness
of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. This is a publication of
Russell Investments Canada Limited and has been prepared solely for
information purposes. It is made available on an "as is" basis. Russell
Investments Canada Limited does not make any warranty or representation
regarding the information.

For further information: Thien Huynh, [phone]; Katita Stark,
[phone]