THE NUMBER of pension schemes using derivatives to hedge liabilities has trebled over the last year, research shows.

WATSON WYATT has revealed its recommendations have outperformed market indices in 19 out of 20 asset classes after all transition costs and fees.

UK - A total of 30% of the 200 largest UK pension funds remain in surplus, including 40% of FTSE 100 companies despite recent market falls, claims Aon Consulting.

UK - Dorset County Council pension fund has awarded two fixed income mandates worth £280m.

Including: JAPAN/SINGAPORE - Daiwa examines shariah ETF; UK - Myners' fourth report on shareholder voting; UK -Threadneedle plans UK 130/30 launch

DEFINED benefit scheme managers should switch to an online reporting service in a bid to cut paperwork and help the environment, Fidelity urges.

NEARLY 5pc of scheme votes at company meetings are being lost due to a "inherent weaknesses" in voting processes, SVWG chairman Paul Myners warns.

UK - The London Borough of Haringey pension fund has appointed two specialist active currency mandates worth £3.4m.

FRANCE - The €31.3bn Fonds de réserve pour les retraites (FRR) has awarded five passive management mandates worth €500m to a group asset managers. The mandates have been awarded for a period of three years, and may be extended to four years.

UK - A parliamentary probe into the impact of the private equity industry has stressed the importance of ensuring company pension fund commitments should be securely funded when major changes are made.