IRELAND - Irish managed funds have suffered negative returns for the fifth consecutive quarter, Hewitt Associates monthly index shows.

US - Standard & Poor's (S&P) has launched a US Commercial Paper Index, the first such product from a major index provider.

CHILE - Chile's employer-sponsored pension scheme Ahorro Previsional Voluntario Colectivo (APVC) has opened today, the Labour and Social Security Ministry has announced.

NETHERLANDS - Solvency rates of pension funds in the Netherlands declined rapidly in the last month, while supervision by the regulator has been on the increase, according to consultants.

THE first set of shortlists for the Specialist and Alternative Investment Manager Awards are below.

No changes will be made to the pension provision of employees within the mortgage arm of Bradford & Bingley as a result of its nationalisation.

Guidance to help trustees of occupational pension schemes and employers identify, monitor and manage conflicts of interest was published by The Pensions Regulator today.

The International Accounting Standards Board's latest proposals will do little to encourage good pension provision, the National Association of Pension Funds says.

Royal London Group has reported a 30pc rise in operating profits in the first six months of the year.

Pension schemes of FTSE100 companies have an estimated £18bn surplus compared to a £2bn deficit 12 months ago, Pension Capital Strategies says.