Excerpt: [Olivia S. Mitchell, Wharton professor of Insurance and Risk Management and executive director of the Wharton/University of Pennsylania Pension Research Council,] notes that a 10-15% bump upwards in stock markets and a modest increase in interest rates could mean 'smooth sailing' for defined benefit plans, and for plan sponsors' perceptions of these retirement plans. Meanwhile though, the problem may extend beyond the direct effects of the stock market's ups and downs.  MORE >>