Large companies' pension plan funding stable in October

The average funded level of pension plans sponsored by large companies held steady in October as falling interest rates, which boosted the value of plan liabilities, offset equity market gains, according to a Mercer L.L.C. survey released Wednesday.

On average, pension plans sponsored by companies in the S&P 1500 were 84% funded as of Oct. 31, unchanged from September and August.

In all, the plans' aggregate deficit was $367 billion at the end October, up from $352 billion at the end of September but nearly even compared with the $369 billion deficit as of Aug. 31.