Investment

One-third of defined contribution schemes changed their investment strategies in the past year, Towers Watson's annual FTSE 100 DC survey reveals.

A quarter of employers say their employees are cutting or suspending pension contributions because of the financial downturn, latest research from Punter Southall reveals.

The National Association of Pension Funds has called on the occupational pensions industry to establish super trusts which it says would add 30% to members' pension pots.

The scheme order and rules for NEST have been laid before parliament by the secretary of state for work and pensions.

Commodities can exceed equity returns over time while providing a good source of diversification in a scheme portfolio, Hermes head of commodities Colin O'Shea says.

CANADA - The Canadian government will go on road show to get feedback from individuals, and have commissioned a series of reports on how to improve the country's pension system.

The National Employment Savings Trusts' 2% contribution charge will be levied for 20 years, the pensions minister says.

HM Treasury has trebled its estimate of the one-off costs that pension schemes, employers and individuals will incur as a result of the tax on higher earners' pension contributions it is introducing from 2011, Towers Watson says.

UK - HM Treasury has trebled its estimate of the one-off costs that pension schemes, employers and individuals will incur as a result of the tax on higher earners' pension contributions it is introducing from 2011, Towers Watson said.

UK - Ignis Asset Management is encouraging industry leaders and politicians to debate hybrid schemes.