TIAA-CREF is examining whether to offer participants a fund that would invest in inflation-linked bonds, said P. Brett Hammond, director of strategic planning. Mr. Hammond said fund officials hope to make a decision before the U.S. Treasury begins to issue the proposed bonds. In fact, he hopes TIAA-CREF will purchase a small portion of the first issuance.
Also, William Quinn, president of AMR Investment Services, said inflation-linked bonds proposed by the U.S. Treasury ``will be a reasonably good idea'' for participants in 401(k) and other defined contribution plans. But he added the proposal needs more study, especially on how pension funds could use them.
