Defined Benefits

The funded status of U.S. corporate pensions climbed in November to 89.9 percent.

The largest U.S. public pension paid $9 million in bonuses last fiscal year, up 14 percent from a year earlier.

How could its deficit projections change so dramatically for the worse in such a short time, in a year that saw continued recovery in the economy and ongoing gains in equity markets?

The PBGC plans to require sponsors next year to report certain undertakings to cash out or annuitize benefits" for former employees.

Their overall confidence rating came in at 7.9 on a 10-point scale, up from 7.8 in 2013 and 7.4 in 2011.

Fewer employers offer a defined-benefit plan but where they do, the PBGC decision could help encourage participants looking for a guaranteed lifetime income stream.