BRAZIL - The government of Brazil has lifted the limits on pension fund investments, allowing up to 70% of assets to be allocated to equities and backing exposure to international markets.

SWITZERLAND - Eight pension funds, led by institutional investors' association Ethos, have filed shareholder resolutions aimed at improving corporate governance at four Swiss companies.

NETHERLANDS - Dutch pension fund investor APG has planned to increase its exposure to private equity by committing €4bn (US$5.9bn) to new investments.

NEW ZEALAND - The Government Superannuation Fund (GSF) in New Zealand saw its deficit jump 123% in the year ended June 30, the scheme said today.

INDIA - The board of the Pension Regulatory Fund Development Authority (PFRDA) yesterday approved a proposal to manage companies' pension pots, said executive director Rani Nair.

CANADA - The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has committed C$39.8m (US$37.2m) to Canadian technology company GLV, as part of an ongoing programme to invest C$1.5bn in Quebec-based firms.

SINGAPORE - The Government of Singapore Investment Corp. (GIC) yesterday said it made a US$1.6bn profit on its $6.88bn investment in troubled bank Citigroup.

US/UK - The US should adopt the UK's practice of allowing shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation, a new report released today argued.

AUSTRALIA: Future Fund invests in UK property; NEW ZEALAND: NZ Superannuation up 6.31%; CANADA: CPPIB

RUSSIA - Barclays Bank has hired Bob Foresman as managing director to lead its Russian investment management and investment banking business, the bank said today.