This study analyzes the ‘real' effects of accounting standards in the context of defined benefit pension plans. Specifically, we examine IAS 19R, which increases expected pension-induced equity volatility by eliminating the so-called ‘corridor method', a smoothing device for actuarial gains...

We investigate how managers smooth volatility in balance sheets, using the pension accounting change IAS 19R as a shock to balance sheet volatility. This shock increases pension plans’ funding transparency, which is the source of volatility, without targeting actual plan funding. We find that...