Europe

FRANCE - AXA Investment Managers' has appointed Laurent Gueunier as head of investment-grade CDOs (collateralised debt obligations).

UK - Employers are being warned to brace themselves for an angry backlash when staff see how much stock market falls have hit their retirement pots.

UK - OPRA has launched a range of educational leaflets for pension scheme trustees.

UK - The Institute of Actuaries has praised SMPIs and believes they will encourage individuals to review their saving strategies.

EUROPE - A leading financial commentator has warned investors to monitor developments in Germany very closely this year.

UK - The future of the UK pensions industry lies in the hands of companies and their ability to promote financial products, Simplification Report author Alan Pickering believes.

EUROPE - A leading fund manager has said he expects that Europe ex-UK will remain negative over the medium to long-term despite a brief rally following the outbreak of war.

UK - J Sainsbury chief executive Sir Peter Davis will head the government's new employer task force on pensions.

UK - Beleaguered Equitable Life has put its compensation scheme on hold for anyone with a guaranteed pension.

UK - Senior High Court judge Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss has backed government plans for legislation that would extend pension rights to same-sex couples.