Pension plan funding improved in April

The funded status of pension plans sponsored by large employers improved in April, aided by gains in the equity markets and a rise in interest rates that reduced the value of plan liabilities, Mercer L.L.C. said Tuesday.

On average, pension plans sponsored by companies in the S&P 1500 were 82% funded as of April 30, up from 80% funded as of March 31, Mercer said in its analysis.

In aggregate, the plans’ funding deficit fell by $56 billion in April to $424 billion, down from $480 billion as of March 31.

In all, the plans, at the end of April had $1.90 trillion in assets and $2.32 trillion in liabilities.