During $2016,$ Abbott Laboratories decreased its discount rate used to calculate pension obligation from $4\mathrm{.}3\%$ to $3\mathrm{.}8\%.$

The effect on the company's pension expense for the year and pension obligation balance at year end is:

A$.$

Increase pension expense, decrease pension obligation

B$.$

Decrease pension expense, decrease pension obligation

C$.$

Decrease pension expense, increase pension obligation

D$.$

No effect on pension expense, decrease pension obligation

E$.$

Increase pension expense, increase pension obligation