UK - The rise in AA credit spreads has contributed to a £38bn (US$75bn) turn-around in FTSE100 company pension deficits over the past 12 months, leading to an aggregate surplus of £21bn.

Standard Life has stepped up its member communication efforts to combat the threat of levelling down from personal accounts.

THE quest to find this year's Pensions Personality of the Year is entering its final phase.

The Society of Pension Consultants met with Conservative MPs to discuss the ongoing pension reforms.

IRELAND - Irish managed pension funds have lost 11.4% over the first quarter of 2008, research by Rubicon Investment Consulting has revealed.

INCLUDING: Threadneedle enters US; Partners Group opens in Sydney; Fidelity real estate in Germany

UK - Professional Pensions, Global Pensions' sister publication covering the UK market, today launches its revamped website - www.professionalpensions.com.

The cabinet office has reappointed Hewitt Associates to provide actuarial services to the civil service pension arrangements.

US - Pension plans' funding ratios fell by an average 11% in the first quarter of 2008, resulting in an overall drop of almost 24% over the past nine months, according to UBS.

UK - The BP pension trustees have reappointed State Street to provide custody and related services for the £14bn (US$27.7bn) fund.