14 – Provisions for pensions (XLS:) Download Assumptions used to determine the defined benefit obligation (in %) Germany United States Switzerland United Kingdom June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Discount rate 1.00 1.70 3.30 4.10 0.20 0.90 2.40 2.90 Projected pension increase 1.50 1.50 − − − − 3.10 3.10 (XLS:) Download Assumptions used to determine expenses for pension benefits (From January 1 to June 30 of the respective year in %) Germany United States Switzerland United Kingdom 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Discount rate 1.70 1.90 4.10 3.60 0.90 0.50 2.90 2.60 Projected pension increase 1.50 1.50 − − − − 3.10 3.10 The assumptions used to determine the defined benefit obligation as of December 31, 2018, are used in the 2019 fiscal year to determine the expenses for pension plans. The standardized return on plan assets is calculated by multiplying plan assets at the beginning of the year with the discount rate used for existing defined benefit obligations at the beginning of the year, taking into account benefit and contribution payments to be made during the year. Actuarial losses of €2,855 million in the defined benefit obligation were mainly attributable to the decrease in the discount rate in all currency zones due to capital market developments in the first half of 2019. Including the deviation between the actual return on plan assets and the standardized return on plan assets, negative remeasurement effects totaled €1,820 million. These were recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI), taking into account deferred taxes of €614 million. Overall, pension provisions rose by €1,629 million compared with December 31, 2018. back next