Corporate DB Plan Funded Status Improves to Pre-Pandemic Levels Equity allocations gave some plans a boost, and experts anticipate new legislation will offer relief from expected higher contributions. Reported by Corporate defined benefit (DB) plan funded status improved from 86% at the end of January to 88% at the end of February, according to Insight Investment. “Through February, discount rates have risen approximately 45 bps [basis points], which has caused the liability to drop approximately 5%. Assets have remained level with the losses in fixed income due to rising rates offset by gains in the return-seeking asset portfolio,” says Kevin McLaughlin, Insight’s head of liability risk management.