The pension plans of the world's largest multinationals have fallen further into deficit despite record company contributions, research shows.

EUROPE - The pension plans of the world's largest multinationals have fallen further into deficit despite record company contributions, new research shows.

US - Pay practices at major Wall Street banks likely helped drive excessive risk-taking by executives and brought financial markets to the brink of collapse in 2008, a report claims.

UK - The number of investment consultancy tenders by defined benefit schemes fell in the first half of 2010, research shows.

US - The US government is considering introducing new rules to ensure workers have a better understanding of target date retirement funds.

HUNGARY - Hungary's shares fell for a third day, sending the benchmark BUX index toward its lowest closing level in nine months, as the bailout package for Ireland failed to quell concern other countries will need assistance.

NEW ZEALAND - The New Zealand Superannuation Fund posted its third straight monthly gain in October, growing by 2.7% thanks to strong rallies in global equities and fixed income markets.

UK - Russell Investments has given its transition management data from the last five years to the Inalytics Transition Implementation Performance Standards database.

JAPAN - The Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the largest public pension fund in the world, returned 1.53% on its investments in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

AUSTRALIA - Directors of failed companies will be forced to honour unpaid superannuation contributions to employees under plans unveiled by the Australian government.