"The estimated aggregate funding level of pension plans sponsored by S&P 1500 companies increased from 79% as of December 31, 2014 to 82% as of December 31, 2015. Decreases in equity and fixed income markets were more than offset by increases in interest rates used to calculate corporate pension plan liabilities, increasing funded status by 3%. The estimated aggregate deficit of $404 billion as of December 31, 2015 is approximately $100 billion less than the $504 billion deficit seen at the end of 2014."  MORE >>