The Broadstone Sirius Index shows steady funding improvements in June for both fully hedged and 50 per cent hedged pension schemes.
The fully hedged scheme rose from 69.3 per cent in May to 70.3 per cent in June, almost all the progress made so far this year, after starting at 69.2 per cent in December.
The 50 per cent hedged scheme saw a smaller increase in June, from 105.8 per cent to 106.2 per cent, but has made stronger gains overall in 2025, up from 103.4 per cent at the end of last year.
Broadstone head of trustee services Chris Rice says: “The key market event of H1 2025 was undoubtedly ‘Liberation Day’ which sent shockwaves through global economies and drove significant market volatility.
“Markets have since recovered and defined benefit pension schemes in the UK weathered that storm successfully to register overall funding level improvements through the first half of the year.
“The half also saw notable reforms to the defined benefit pension scheme market with, for example, the government confirming plans to allow schemes to access surpluses.
“Looking ahead to the second half of the year, there is still uncertainty across the geo-political landscape and continued market volatility is likely ahead of further tariff announcements from and negotiations with the United States.
“This combines to give Trustees significant food for thought as they look to manage their investment strategy through this period. There are also opportunities in an insurance market that is offering new options while run-on also presents a more attractive pathway following reforms to the market.”