gilt yields

UK corporate pension deficits rose 14% in April as an expected improvement in bond yields failed to materialise, says Xafinity.

Buzz respondents are far from optimistic that the long hoped for rally in gilt yields will happen this year. Just one in fifty contributors believes yields will rise significantly in 2013 while the majority think they will remain steady.

Tesco has seen its defined benefit deficit increase by more than £500m despite a bump in contributions after its triennial review, its final results show.

Market movements in the first quarter of the year have had a mixed effect on the bulk annuity market and pushed up the cost of buy-ins and buyouts, says Towers Watson.

Private sector deficits increased last month for the first time this year after slower growth in equities, research from the Pension Protection Fund shows.

An increase in gilt yields in 2013 could push up the price of buy-ins but improve the affordability of full buyouts, says Pension Corporation.

The Pensions Regulator has denied it is forcing trustees to use a gilt-based mechanism to measure liabilities, in the face of calls to be more flexible on valuations.

Private sector deficits have fallen for the third consecutive month as equity markets bounce back and falling yields slow down, research from the Pension Protection Fund reveals.

The latest set of financial results from FTSE companies has re-ignited the debate over smoothing discount rates as strong asset returns were wiped out due to falls in discount rates.

Moody's has stripped the UK of its AAA credit rating on fears over rising government debt and years of slow economic growth ahead.