Europe

EUROPE - Industrial production in France rose for two consecutive months (by +0.8% in January and +0.4% in February), pointing to positive growth over the first quarter according to CDC IXIS Asset Management's latest market analysis.

DENMARK - Danish pension funds and insurance companies (I&P investors) are increasing their bond weightings at the expense of equities, according to new research by investment bank Nykredit Markets, in association with Greens Institute of Markets Research....

UK - Investment reviews, particularly a heightened interest in passive funds, are forming part of the debate around the changing pensions landscape on the Isle of Man. But a figure can not be placed on the amount of new assets likely to bolster the Manx...

UK - Allegations of fraud prompted OPRA to close down the Brand New Carpet Company pension scheme.

UK - Consumer education should be central to the Government's annuity consultation document, according to David Riddington, chairman of the Actuarial Profession's working party on annuities.

UK - Boots pension scheme has bucked the industry trend of falling asset values by unveiling a substantial increase in its funds value.

UK - Defined contribution schemes face looming government deadlines which will require significant overhauls of their computer system, IT group Aqera warns.

UK/EUROPE - BP has blamed its European pension funds and FRS17 for a fall in its global pension funding levels.

UK/EUROPE - BP has blamed its European pension funds and FRS17 for a fall in its global pension funding levels.

UK - The £2.7bn J Sainsbury pension fund has launched its stakeholder pension plan for employees.