Europe

EUROPE - Most European fund managers believe that an American-led war on Iraq would not send global stock markets reeling.

UK - The number of companies offering a flexible benefits scheme or planning to introduce one has doubled since 2000.

UK - Hargreaves Lansdown is claiming it is the first to launch a SIPP with no fixed initial or annual fees.

UK - Women are more likely to be better off in retirement than men.

UK - An internet-based system that allows schemes, lawyers and fund managers to view real-time information about investments has been launched by property adviser Cluttons.

UK - Fund managers have confirmed that some are raising minimum thresholds for segregated mandates, but deny the practice is widespread.

UK - A leading fund manager has criticised the government for choosing Derek Higgs to head the review into the role of non-executive directors.

UK - Wesleyan Assurance Society has acquired BMAS, the IFA provider for the British Medical Association, for an undisclosed sum.

UK - More than 500 companies, including the FTSE350, have been invited to take part in a new Corporate Responsibility Index.

UK - The Inland Revenue's decision to allow part-timers a second tax-free lump sum has come too late to benefit many members, lawyers claim.