projection scales. Disability retirement rates used to value disabled retirees were based on the RP-2000 Disabled Mortality Table (set back 3 years for males and set forward 1 year for females).

The actuarial assumptions used in the July 1, 2016 valuation were based on the results of an actuarial experience study for the period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2014. It is likely that future experience will not exactly conform to these assumptions. To the extent that actual experience deviates from these assumptions, the emerging liabilities may be higher or lower than anticipated. The more the experience deviates, the larger the impact on future financial statements.

Long-Term Expected Rate of Return - In accordance with State statute, the long-term expected rate of return on plan investments (7.00% at June 30, 2017) is determined by the State Treasurer, after consultation with the Directors of the Division of Investments and Division of Pensions and Benefits, the board of trustees and the actuaries. The long-term expected rate of return was determined using a building block method in which best-estimate ranges of expected future real rates of return (expected returns, net of pension plan investment expense and inflation) are developed for each major asset class. These ranges are combined to produce the long-term expected rate of return by weighting the expected future real rates of return by the target asset allocation percentage and by adding expected inflation. Best estimates of arithmetic rates of return for each major asset class included in PERS's target asset allocation as of June 30, 2017 are summarized in the following table:

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