PENSION deficits have fallen by £40bn since the start of the year and are at the lowest level for more than five years, according to Deloitte.

NORWAY - The Norwegian Government Pension Fund achieved a 1.5% return in the first quarter - however a stronger krone in relation to the investment currencies reduced the portfolio's market value by NOK 27.6bn.

Investors to force ABN to call bid battle meeting; China says UK blue chips are a major target for £100bn fund

TONY King has been named as the new pensions ombudsman replacing David Laverick who will step down on August 31.

UBS GLOBAL Asset Management has joined forces with life insurance and pensions provider Aegon to enter the bulk annuity market.

STATISTICS from the department for work and pensions show almost 12 million people are now claiming the state pension.

UK - AEGON and UBS Global Asset Management have joined forces in the UK to launch a buy-out solution aimed at schemes with liabilities in excess of £300m.

UBS and Aegon form buyout team; Better DC schemes on the way, but DB is not dead yet; Light touch regulation for pensions, please; Fidelity and China join buyout mania

AUSTRALIA - The Enhanced Analytics Initiative's (EAI) assets under management grew to €1.85trn (US$2.4trn) as it welcomed two new Australian superannuation associate members.

SOUTH AFRICA - The Financial Services Board (FSB) has appointed its first black, female pension fund adjudicator.