BULK annuity business nearly tripled to £8.2bn in 2008, latest research from Aon Consulting reveals.

Opt-out fear for pension plan; Savers: Alistair Darling says Budget to cut tax on pensioners' savings income; 'If I'd put my money in an ordinary bank account, it would still be there'; Airline looks to slash soaring costs

The £6.5bn West Midlands Pension Fund is set to significantly reduce its allocation to equities following the completion of a wide-ranging investment review.

Trustees of schemes hit by the drop in value of Standard Life's Pension Sterling Fund have approached their legal advisers after member complaints.

US - Stricken automobile manufacturer Ford may be forced to make a US$4bn contribution to its pension scheme.

SWEDEN - The SEK320bn (US$38.9bn) Swedish AMF pension fund has confirmed it is to cut discretionary pension increases.

The Financial Services Authority has launched a suitability template on pension switching advice as part of an industry-wide review.

US - Putnam Investments has named Edmund Murphy as its new managing director and head of defined contribution.

ROYAL London has revealed a 17% increase in new life and pensions business during 2008.

US - The US$174bn California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) has announced it is to close for two days a month as part of a state-wide cost saving scheme.