Markets entered the third quarter with stronger momentum than expected, supported by resilient economic data, strong Q2 equity returns, and continued AI-related capital investment, but persistent inflation, fiscal deficits, and geopolitical risk keep the rate outlook unsettled.
September 11, 2026
Find out moreU.S. corporate pension plans entered 2026 from a position of strength, with funded status levels remaining above full funding for much of the plan universe.
December market activity modestly improved funded ratios as higher discount rates more than offset mixed asset returns, reinforcing financial resilience across plans of varying maturity profiles.
Elevated funding levels, combined with attractive pricing in the pension risk transfer (PRT) market, continue to provide plan sponsors with options. Many sponsors are increasingly evaluating incremental de‑risking actions as part of a broader long‑term risk management strategy.
March 3, 2026
Find out moreUS corporate pension plans continued their resilience in Q3 2025, reaching historically high funded statuses driven by strong risk asset returns from both domestic and international securities.
November 12, 2025
Find out moreStrong Q2 risk asset performance, alongside a steepening interest rate curve, led to notable improvements in the funded status of US corporate defined benefit pension plans over the second quarter.
August 13, 2025
Find out moreThe first quarter of 2025 was marked by significant policy uncertainty, especially related to tariffs, which contributed to market volatility and a decrease in pension funded status for typical corporate defined benefit plans as liability performance outpaced asset performance.
May 29, 2025
Find out moreThe fourth quarter of 2024 produced rising bond yields due to the Fed’s easing cycle over inflation and deficits, resulting in negative bond returns while the domestic equity market saw positive returns, despite significant dispersion amongst the various sectors.
March 4, 2025
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