SWITZERLAND / ITALY - Partners Group, a Swiss-based alternative asset manager, has announced a joint venture to provide alternative investment solutions to the Italian institutional market.

Written submissions for Professional Pensions' inaugural Specialist and Alternative Investment Manager Awards are now being assessed by the judging panel.

POSTAL workers began a series of strikes yesterday in their continuing dispute over pension reforms and pay.

US - A total of US$28m has been committed on behalf on the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) of the City of New York to create affordable housing.

AUSTRALIA - The chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has welcomed the treasurer's announcement of the proposed appointment of Belinda Gibson as an ASIC commissioner.

SCHEME wind-up victims have vowed to remain in the lime light should Gordon Brown call a snap general election.

Talks fail to avert two-day postal strike; Bank keeps rates on hold as house prices go into reverse; HSBC warns of sterling exodus; Rise of the giant fund sparks fears of a global shockwave

SWEDEN - Nadine Viel Lamare, chairman of Sweden's Joint Ethical Council, has described the "respect" commanded by acting in concert, as a group of funds.

GOVERNMENT must reduce regulation if defined benefit pension schemes are to survive, latest research by the National Association of Pension Funds shows.

NEW ZEALAND - The CEO of the New Zealand Superannuation fund has warned that the portfolio's recent strong performance which has seen it grow from NZ$10.1bn to $13.1bn is unsustainable every year.