UK - The Pensions Regulator has issued guidelines on effective communication with pension scheme members.

INDIA - Most Indian companies do not offer adequate corporate retirement programmes for their workforce, a study by Mercer has revealed.

US - With just over seven weeks remaining until America's decision day, current economic turmoil is ensuring pensions will be a key issue for presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.

US - The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has assumed responsibility for a pension plan covering 760 former employees of publisher Rand McNally.

US - The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has reached agreements in principle with five firms to settle charges relating to the sale of auction rate securities (ARS), while investigation continues into nearly 50 additional firms.

UK - Legal & General (L&G) has defended changes to its defined benefit (DB) scheme following criticism from union Unite.

US - The US Treasury has announced the establishment of a temporary guaranty program for the US money market mutual fund industry.

Few employers provide education, advice or assistance to defined contribution scheme members ahead of retirement, Watson Wyatt says.

A pensions training service aimed at consultants for the private and public sector has been launched by Xafinity Paymaster.

UK defined benefit scheme lead participation in class action law suits has double in the past 12 months, the National Association of Pension Funds says.