United Kingdom

UK - Equities will continue to outperform in 2004 - albeit at lower levels than schemes have seen this year - fund managers predict.

UK - The £570m Fife Council Superannuation Fund has gone out to tender for an investment manager to run a £40m property brief.

UK - Major firms are being forced to cut jobs to pay for spiralling pension costs. And employers warn the trend will continue unless employees and the government share the burden.

UK - Schemes and fund managers are increasing pressure on US companies to adhere to higher corporate governance standards.

UK - Aero-engine giant Rolls Royce has bowed to union pressure over a raft of changes to its final salary scheme.

UK - Watson Wyatt and Imperial College are holding a seminar on pension guarantees, looking at UK policy in the light of US and European experience.

UK - The National Association of Pension Funds has released a new guide to workplace pensions.

UK - Sandy Leitch is stepping down as chief executive of Zurich Financial Services UKISA/Asia Pacific Business Division in spring next year.

UK - A former whistleblowing auditor has won a compensation battle for the pension rights he lost after being sacked by Flintshire County Council.

UK - Private equity firm Gresham has announced the interim close of its Gresham III fund which has raised £153m, partly committed by pension funds.