United Kingdom

UK - Five employers are set to join the National Association of Pension Funds' multi-employer scheme which will be launched later this year.

UK - Invesco has launched a US equity market fund which aims to deliver returns regardless of stock market performance.

UK - Royal London Group has reported record sales of £1.65bn for 2003 - despite a "demanding" year.

UK - Absolute return strategies are gaining ground among UK pension funds, with clients of consultants Watson Wyatt awarding double the number of such mandates in 2003, as compared to 2002.

UK - Demand for residential property will fall during 2004 due to high levels of consumer debt, global real estate services firm, Jones Lang LaSalle, forecasts.

UK - Equity markets retained their year-end vigour into January and edged higher in most areas, according to Britannic Asset Management.

UK - Forcing employers to educate staff about their pension choices will be another burden for firms, Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow claims.

UK - Royal Bank of Scotland has quit the group stakeholder market because there has been "limited demand" for the government's flagship retirement savings vehicle.

UK - Government moves to encourage pension saving must be balanced with help for scheme members who have lost out, Independent Trustee Services says.

UK - Standard Life has revealed details of "sigma" - its new range of funds for pensions and mutual funds.