The WTW Pension Index has increased in September 2026. The negative investment returns in the benchmark portfolio were outweighed by a larger decrease in liabilities, resulting in a September 2026 index level of 147.3, an increase of 2.1% from the prior month. This is the highest index level recorded since its inception in 1990.
About the report
Pension Finance Watch is designed to support our clients in the ongoing financial management of their U.S. retirement plans. The report tracks the value of the WTW Pension Index in a series that was initiated in 1990.
The index reflects the asset/liability performance of a hypothetical benchmark pension plan, and provides an indicator of capital market effects on pension plan financing. Individual plan results will vary based on such factors as portfolio composition, investment management strategy, liability characteristics and contribution policy.
