United Kingdom

UK - Schemes should turn to currency overlay programmes to boost returns and reduce portfolio risk, ABN-Amro claims.

UK - The Royal Mail Pension Plan has invested £35m in the Mall Fund. Hermes Property Asset Management made the investment on behalf of the £12.8bn scheme.

UK - Union-nominated trustees need to embrace shareholder activism to ensure that pension scheme investments are well-managed, delegates were told.

UK - An Amicus official has been criticised for taking an increase in pension and pay shortly before applying for voluntary redundancy.

UK - The NAPF is to hold a seminar examining the new pensions tax regime outlined by the Treasury.

UK - Credit Suisse Asset Management is forecasting "solid returns" from commercial property market in 2004.

UK - Rules to improve corporate governance may have unintended consequences, Lord Haskins warned.

UK - Trustees are being urged to continue their take-up of equities following a year of stock market growth.

UK - Camra Data Services has launched an online version of its fund manager database - aimed at assisting pension funds and consultants.

UK - Pension funds must remember they are part owners in the companies in which they invest and keep a close watch on their activities, delegates heard.