Natalie Dempster , head of investment North America at World Gold Council, looks at benefits and risks of investing in commodities, using the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System as a case study

CANADA - The vast majority of employer contributions to defined contribution (DC) funds will be the same or higher in 2009 than last year, the Quebec-based Order of Charted Human Resources Councillors (CRHA) has said.

The Pensions Management Institute has announced the successful candidates who achieved the Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision qualification.

Scottish Widows is set to enhance its corporate pensions package to give employers the chance to create more tailored schemes.

SOME 90% of UK companies with a defined benefit pension scheme are worried about its impact on their business, PricewaterhouseCoopers fourth annual pensions survey reveals.

BUCK CONSULTANTS has appointed Sean Gilfeather to lead its business development in Scotland.

US - Equity allocations in 401(k) schemes hit an historic low of just above 50% of portfolios in January, Hewitt Associates analysis reveals.

THE Universities Superannuation Scheme has backed the publication of guidelines for responsible investment by the US Private Equity Council.

UK - The £1bn (US$1.47bn) Oxfordshire County Council pension fund has appointed Peter Davies as independent adviser to the scheme.

CANADA - The five unions representing Air Canada workers are calling on the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to force ACE Aviation Holdings to fund Air Canada's pension plan before being permitted to wind-up the holding company....