EUROPE - Exchange traded funds (ETFs) could generally deliver above average performance compared to actively managed funds, investment company iShares has claimed.

UK - Only 27% of FTSE 350 directors are accruing only defined benefit (DB) pension benefits, a recent Watson Wyatt survey has found, showing the decline of DB has now hit the boardroom.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust pension scheme has appointed Alexander Forbes Financial Services to provide full defined benefit services.

US - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Labor (DoL) have signed an agreement to share information as it relates to investments of retirement funds.

St James's hit by fall in investments; Offer to Norwich Union life policy holders; Lloyds raises payout despite 70pc profits fall; Banks under pressure to follow $30bn Merrill cut-price debt sale

INCLUDING: GLOBAL - Hewitt names co-presidents; US - PBGC takes on Auburn hospital pensions; UK - IMA joins accounting standards debate

EUROPE - Pension fund solvency ratios in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany have fallen over the first half of 2008, a study by Lehman Brothers has revealed.

UK - PIMCO has issued a report exploring whether liability driven investment (LDI) is best viewed as an active or passive strategy.

US - Telecoms giant AT&T agreed to a US$16m settlement in a class action case brought against the company by retirees.

GLOBAL - MSCI Barra announced today it has launched the MSCI Global Currency Indices.