Asia

INDIA - FTSE Group and Indian infrastructure specialist, Infrastructure Development Finance Company Ltd (IDFC), have launched the first ever Indian infrastructure index, with investable products expected to be launched in August.

INDIA - The State Bank of India (SBI), UTI Asset Management and the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) have been appointed to manage part of the R17bn (US$400m) government pension fund.

JAPAN - Nomura Holdings has denied it is in talks with the country's fourth-largest bank, Resona Holdings, to join the two firms' asset management and investment banking businesses.

INDIA - MSCI Barra has opened a sales office in Mumbai to harness the growing domestic market interest.

JAPAN - Lawmakers have sought to put a lid on the nation's pension data woes by passing a package of reformist bills.

SOUTH KOREA - The national pension fund has been linked with two domestic bank buyouts despite reportedly denying formal talks.

JAPAN - Economics Nobel Prize winner Myron Scholes has revealed his investment firm is seeking a license to advise Japanese pension funds after opening an office in the country.

JAPAN - The world's largest pension portfolio, the Japanese Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), has reportedly decided to make its first investment in the small cap sector.

SOUTH KOREA - Support for the state national pension plan has reportedly plummeted after several government institutions switched to alternative private plans.

JAPAN - DIAM, the largest Japanese pension fund manager, has scooped a European equities mandate from a Middle-Eastern client for approximately US$250m, and a €42m European equities deal from a German pension fund.