SWITZERLAND - Expectations for the Swiss economy diminished again this month, latest research from Credit Suisse reveals.

US - Shareholder concerns about executive pay packages are gaining traction, with a Watson Wyatt Worldwide survey revealing companies are responding to calls for change.

Including: US - Ex-CalPERS president joins Governance for Owners; UK - Tesco agrees to USS store sale; US - Northern Trust launches dashboard for investments; UK - Buck Consultants' new principal

The latest Professional Pensions Conjecture debate - held this morning looked at the key issues surrounding defined contribution investment.

TRUSTEES should not be scared by a pensions ombudsman determination which forced a board to personally repay £130,000, a law firm says.

NETHERLANDS - Mn Services has been chosen as fiduciary manager to the €360m SCA 't Anker and SCA Hygiene Products Nederland company pension funds.

GLOBAL - A report by Norges Bank has cited low interest rates and a declining dollar as the main drivers of surging commodity prices, not the effect of institutional investors such as pension funds.

UK - Bedfordshire County Council has appointed Hewitt Associates to act as investment manager for its £1.1bn (US$2.05bn) pension fund.

INCREASING numbers of people of state pension age claiming means tested benefits and the weakening economic climate will affect the launch of personal accounts, Scottish Life says.

Shares fall on fears of rising inflation and credit crisis fallout; Banks split three ways on rates