Pension Lump Sums Likely More Expensive in 2017

Lump sum windows and other pension risk transfer strategies continue to be popular among many defined benefit (DB) pension plan sponsors. Paying lump sums to terminated vested participants can reduce long-term plan costs and risks by permanently eliminating these liabilities. However, the cost of the lump sum payments is heavily influenced by the underlying interest […]Read More… from Pension Lump Sums Likely More Expensive in 2017

Higher Discount Rates Will Help 2013 Pension Disclosures and 2014 Expense

The final results are in and pension plan sponsors should be pleased with final year-end discount rates – at least compared to the FY2012 rates. Using the Citigroup Pension Liability Index (CPLI) and Citigroup Pension Discount Curve (CPDC) as proxies, pension accounting discount rates are up by about 90 basis points this year. This is […]Read More… from Higher Discount Rates Will Help 2013 Pension Disclosures and 2014 Expense

Preview of 2014 Lump Sum Interest Rates

As mentioned in our July lump sum interest rate post, many defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors are considering lump sum payouts to their terminated vested participants as a way of “right-sizing” their plan. The ultimate goal is to reduce plan costs and risk. The IRS recently released the November 2013 417(e) rates, which will be […]Read More… from Preview of 2014 Lump Sum Interest Rates

Pension Discount Rates – September 2013 Preview

After several years of painfully-low pension discount rates, we’ve seen a modest rebound in 2013. Using the Citigroup Pension Liability Index (CPLI) and Citigroup Pension Discount Curve (CPDC) as proxies, pension accounting discount rates are up by about 80 basis points so far this year. This is great news for pension plan sponsors, especially if […]Read More… from Pension Discount Rates – September 2013 Preview

Lump Sum Interest Rate Update – June 2013

Many defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors are considering lump sum payouts to their terminated vested participants as a way of reducing plan costs and risk. This post shares a brief update of the interest rates used to calculate deferred vested lump sums and the impact it could have on potential lump sum payout strategies. Background […]Read More… from Lump Sum Interest Rate Update – June 2013

Plan Sponsors Should Prepare Now for 2012 Pension Interest Rates

The IRS recently released the October interest rates for pension plans. What do they hold in store for plan sponsors? This post summarizes some of the important rates along with our observations. Funding Segment Rates The interest rates used to determine pension plan liabilities for IRS funding purposes are composed of three segment rates (unless […]Read More… from Plan Sponsors Should Prepare Now for 2012 Pension Interest Rates

Fed’s “Operation Twist” Another Reason For Pension Plan LDI

The Federal Reserve’s “Operation Twist” is intended to boost consumer spending, but it could cause lots of problems for defined benefit pension plans who haven’t adopted a liability-driven investment (LDI) strategy. Here’s what plan sponsors need to consider: 1. If long-term interest rates drop due to “Operation Twist”, then pension liabilities will likely increase and […]Read More… from Fed’s “Operation Twist” Another Reason For Pension Plan LDI