Europe

BELGIUM - VKG, the e500m Belgium pension fund, is expected to allocate 5% to hedge fund of funds, following a review of its strategic allocation.

UK - The number of new jobs created within the pensions and insurance sector soared during December, research from recruitment consultant Adecco reveals.

UK - Pension funds would be over £40bn richer if allocations to property were at their 1980s peak, new research shows.

UK - The NAPF is hosting a Corporate Governance Conference at the Cass Business School in London on January 21 at which a range of corporate governance issues will be discussed.

UK - UBS deputy chairman Stephan Haeringer will be put forward for election to the board of directors at the annual general meeting on April 15.

EUROPE - Germany's opposition CDU party has endorsed a set of principles put forward by a working party under ex-federal president Roman Herzog aimed at stabilising the state pension system and increasing emphasis on private provision.

EUROPE - KAS Bank is the first Dutch bank to become active as general clearing member on Euronext Lisbon.

UK - British Airways has warned its staff in a newsletter that on current valuations of its pension scheme they could expect only 60% of their pensions.

UK - Credit Suisse Asset Management has launched a £250m offshore property unit trust.

UK - Mid-cap firms are at their most optimistic since July 2002, a survey shows.