Archived Insight | May 5, 2021

Pension Plan Funded Status Increases as Interest Rates Rise

During the first quarter of 2021 (Q1), the funded status of the model pension plan examined in each issue of Prism improved by 12 percentage points, up to 100 percent. This issue of Prism explores the reasons behind this increase, and what plan sponsors should examine in their own defined benefit plans.

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Examine your own DB plan’s experience

Plan sponsors should examine changes in their own DB plans’ assets, liabilities and funded ratios from the vantage point of both accounting and funding metrics.

We can help employers project their DB plans’ funded ratios with a complete view of the range of a plan’s possible future statuses, presenting early warning signs of potential challenges.

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2026 IT Summit

Beyond the Horizon — 20 Years of Progress and the Journey Continues

Connect with peers at the 2026 IT Summit and learn how technology, AI and operations are shaping the future of health and pension plan administration.

Benefits Technology, ATC, Technology

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Three Multi Ethnic Construction Workers Having A Discussion

As PPA Turns 20, a Retrospective on Zone-Status Survey Data

New survey data shows the resurgence of green-zone plans, funded status trends and lessons for the future of multiemployer pensions.

Retirement, Multiemployer Plans

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Colleagues Business Meeting

Model Pension Plan's Funded Status Jumps 8 Points

In Q2 2026, the funded status of our model private sector single-employer pension plan rose 8 points to 110%. Download Prism to see why.

Retirement, Corporate, Investment

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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to discuss the issues raised here with your legal, tax and other advisors before determining how the issues apply to your specific situations.