DB pension deficits increase as markets slide

The PPF estimates the aggregate funding position of over 7,300 DB funds worsened to a deficit of £41.5bn at the end of May, compared to just £2.2bn at the end of April. Additionally, the total deficit of those schemes in the red last month increased to £98.4bn - compared to £74.4bn at the end of April. The PPF attributes the deteriorating position of DB schemes to wider market forces, with assets decreasing 2.7% due to falling UK and global equities. The month saw the FTSE All Share Index slide 6.6%. However, the funding position of schemes is better than a year ago - in May 2009 t...