Global

GLOBAL - A number of pension funds - some 17% - have considered upping their allocation to emerging markets in the wake of the recent credit crunch, found the results of November's Global Pensions 100 Panel.

GLOBAL - The predicted downturn in real estate returns has begun to be reflected in pension funds' allocations to the asset class, show the results of the latest Global Pensions 100 Panel.

INCLUDING - US - Mercer boosts to DC outsourcing business; UK - L&G to use postcode profiling; AUSTRALIA - Pension investment increases; UK - SWIP appoints sales director

GLOBAL - Mercer is preparing to launch a web-based capital market modelling tool that will allow pension fund clients to self-generate strategic asset allocations and construct theoretical portfolios.

GLOBAL - As banks continue to post third quarter trading results, the picture that has emerged has been very mixed, with third quarter losses balanced by overall year-to-date profits and strong performances in other divisions.

GLOBAL - UBS is understood to be reviewing the role of its director of transition management, Jody Windmiller, as part of a general restructure.

INCLUDING: UK - Barings launches 130-30 Fixed Income White Paper, ITALY - New staffers for Cordea Savills in Milan, UK - Gillespie leaves Watson Wyatt; UK - Property appointment at Hewitt

Including: AUSTRALIA - JPM appoints head of securities; DUBAI - Moody's moves into Middle East; UK - Barings appoints multi-manager head; UK - IAM appoints head of client relations; UK - New FD for Standard Life

GLOBAL - An ex-Morgan Stanley staffer has set up PensionsFirst, a company managing longevity exposure and market volatility risks for defined benefit (DB) pension schemes.

INCLUDING: US - LASERS board of trustees elected; UK - Close multi-manager division departure; CANADA - Union calls for better standards; UK - Aviary boosts sales team