Investment

UK - Asset managers are staying in the "comfort zone of defined benefit" and are failing to seek business opportunities in defined contribution schemes, consulting firm Spence Johnson said.

CANADA - The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec has partnered with investor Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins (CRCD) to invest a total of C$600m (US$573m) between the two in small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs).

GLOBAL - Dutch pension provider ABP and US pension fund California Public Employees' Retirement System posted 2009 results of 20.2% and 11.8% respectively.

ISRAEL - Israel should cut its existing tax break for pensions and increase the pension age for women in order to promote savings among poorer populations, the OECD said.

It has been a while since I have been able to contribute a Beveridge report to PP and I have a number of decent excuses. The best one is that I have become liable for a wonderful, but completely unfunded, liability called Henry Beveridge who was born...

UK - The confusing nature of UK pensions is damaging competitiveness and could stymie the recovery from recession, top industry figures warned.

Jonathan Stapleton speaks to Barnardo's pensions manager Graham Brown ahead of his retirement at the end of January

Aegon Asset Management has launched a customised asset allocation facility for clients to meet the strategic objectives of each particular pension scheme.

NETHERLANDS - Trustees at Dutch pension funds failed to fully understand the risks being taken in their portfolios, a new report by a government appointed committee found.

January 13 was St Hilary's Day and, according to folklore, is reputed to be the coldest day of the year.