Europe

UK - Aegon Asset Management is launching a series of pooled funds to "generate higher returns for schemes".

UK - Training is the most important issue for trustees and pension fund representatives, research by F&C Management shows.

UK - IFA Promotion has appointed Webline as its first technology sponsor.

UK - Financial services firms are failing to get the most out of their staff, career management consultant TalentMax claims.

UK - High yield debt offers good medium-term prospects for investors, Blue Bay Asset Management claims.

UK - Hermes Pensions Management director Alistair Ross Goobey has quit to avoid damaging the firm's legal battle over Parmalat.

UK - Former KPMG staff have urged the accountant to settle its pension fund dispute quickly to avoid further damage to its reputation.

UK - Firms may consider using final salary scheme assets as a "catastrophe cushion" to reduce life insurance premiums for employees, Gissings claims.

UK - The £2bn (e2.85bn) Essex County Council Pension Fund is looking to appoint an investment manager to look after its specialist UK equity management portfolio.

UK - Three-quarters of money purchase pension scheme members have not increased their contributions despite government attempts to boost saving.