The majority (93%) of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes have seen a reduction in their asset base over the past 12 months as a result of falling bond and liability-driven investment (LDI) prices, analysis from PwC has revealed.

The research found that despite the collective funding position of the UK’s DB pension schemes reaching record surplus levels this year, the LDI crisis has had a lasting effect on the asset base of the UK’s DB pension schemes.

In particular, more than half of the pension schemes surveyed saw their asset value fall by 20-40%, with a further 7% seeing their asset value fall between 40-60%.

In contrast, only 7% of schemes recorded an increase compared to 12 months ago.

However, the survey found that just 10% of pension schemes saw their funding level fall in the last 12 months, with 9% of schemes reporting a deterioration of up to 15% lower and a further 1% reporting more than 15% lower.

Instead, nearly three quarters (74%) of schemes surveyed saw an improvement in their funding, with 61% of schemes seeing an improvement of up to 15% and a further 13% recording a significant improvement of 15% and over.

PwC suggested that this improvement in funding levels was largely driven by rapidly increasing long-term gilt yields, which reduce the assessed value of the liabilities as future pension payments are discounted at a higher rate.

As a result of these improvements, nearly a third (30%) of schemes have now reached their long-term funding target, according to PwC, trebling from 2022.

Measured against schemes’ own long-term funding targets, nearly a quarter (23%) of schemes were funded between 100-110%, and a further seven per cent were funded above 110 per cent.

Commenting on the findings, PwC head of pensions funding and transformation, John Dunn, stated: “Our survey shows that despite a weaker year for pension scheme assets, the consistently strong collective funding levels of the UK’s DB pension schemes appear to be the ‘new norm’.

“As a result of the shift in market conditions, many trustees and sponsors have had to review their position, which they did not expect to contemplate for another decade, and think about what’s next in terms of end-game strategy.

“When it comes to endgame options, we are seeing a mix of schemes rushing to get ready to join the insurance buyout queue, whilst others are contemplating running off.

“Yet, following the Mansion House speech, an increasing minority of schemes are also starting to consider alternative solutions such as superfunds.

"Ultimately, all sponsors should think about the range of available opportunities to ensure the best possible long-term outcome for all stakeholders.”

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