United Kingdom

UK - Commercial property should deliver five-year real returns of 7-8%, well above its long-term average return of just over 4%, Aberdeen Property Investors predicts.

UK - State Street Global Advisors (SSgA) is to launch a market neutral global hedge fund aimed at pension funds.

UK - British Airways has dismissed fears that its pension deficit threatens the future of the firm.

UK - Edinburgh Fund Managers Group (EFM) revealed a 22% slump in first-half pre-tax profits.

UK - Legal & General has stolen a march on insurance rival Royal & SunAlliance with a £786m rights issue.

UK - Gresham Property Partners - the recently launched opportunity fund managed by Schroder Property Investment Management - has completed its first purchase.

UK - Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow has appointed Jim Sawma as business development manager to its UK total benefits administration practice.

UK - Performance measurer Russell/Mellon CAPS has hired Anthony Stevens to its client relationship team.

UK - Property investments in the City of London are set to come under further pressure as falling demand hits rents, Standard Life Investments claims.

UK - Unions are to challenge an employment tribunal ruling on part-time workers' pension rights because time limits will bar the majority from making claims.