Pension fund deficits could double, economists warn; Paulson hedge fund returns to mortgage backed securities; Barclays caves to investor demands over £7bn funding; Biggest fall in inflation for 16 years

Defined contribution pension contributions have plummeted as a direct result of economic downturn, Prudential says.

The London Borough of Hillingdon has appointed State Street Global Advisors as investment manager to its pension fund.

European and US real estate opportunities could emerge which will allow pension funds and other investors to acquire assets which produce highly competitive returns, Invesco says.

Asset managers set to downsize; SRI veteran questions 'spurious' data; Institutions key to developing rental sector; Give UK workers every incentive to top up pensions; Treasury may sell shares to City to cut taxpayers' bank bailout bill; UK recession...

HEWITT ASSOCIATES has hired John Nestor as head of distribution for its UK investment consulting practice following an increase in scheme demand.

Raising Standards of Pensions Administration has appointed Penny Green as chairman.

UK - Around 30% of UK workers have not saved or contributed enough towards a pension plan due to financial constraints, while those approaching retirement fear for the future, new research shows.

US - Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, IFPTE Local 2001 (SPEEA) have reached a tentative agreement which would preserve the defined benefit pension (DB) scheme for new employees, the union has said.

UK - Some 1.5 million pension holders are planning to halt their pension contributions in an effort to stave off the effects of the impending recession, according to new research from AXA.