SWITZERLAND - Voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to implement a flexible retirement age as part of a wider referendum on social laws.

TIMING is key for schemes wanting to access long term investment opportunities, Standard Life Investments says.

Investment risk has been switched to the employee; Nonsense about 'counterparts'; BBC in talks with Woolworths as pensioners fear worst

UK - The lifeboat fund for pension scheme members under the control of insurance companies is to consult on whether to scrap the 100% guarantee on the first £2000 of benefits.

SWEDEN - Pressure from Swedish pension funds has forced the operators of a UK detention centre to address inhumane conditions.

US - Defined benefit (DB) pension plans sponsored by the largest US firms suffered their second consecutive month of record losses - with asset values falling by more than US$130bn last month, Mercer says.

US - The investment functions of five Illinois pension schemes are set to be merged under proposals put forward by state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.

THE Personal Accounts Delivery Authority may provide members with access to a panel of annuity providers to simplify the buying process of a retirement product.

Real public sector pension costs remain hidden; Tudor fund halts redemptions

UK - The Personal Accounts Delivery Authority (PADA) may provide members with access to a panel of annuity providers to simplify the buying process of a retirement product.