Global

HSBC Actuaries and Consultants has launched a statistical analysis service to help schemes determine whether fund managers are delivering on their promises.

GLOBAL - Marsh & McLennan has reported that revenues of its subsidiaries Mercer and Putnam have increased by 17% and 18% in the fourth quarter.

GLOBAL - Corporate bond investors are being urged to opt for individual security selection to increase portfolio returns.

GLOBAL - Two leading socially responsible investment fund managers are spearheading a campaign into the risks and opportunities for multinational corporations with operations in China.

The Institute of Actuaries will play a pivotal role in the implementation of government legislation over the next 12 months, incoming president Michael Pomery (pictured) promises.

GLOBAL - Fund management giant Amvescap has dropped plans to fight charges over its part in the US market timing scandal.

EXCLUSIVE NETHERLANDS - The e150bn ABP is considering a foray into CAT (Catastrophe) bonds and infrastructure bonds this year, in a bid to further diversify its portfolio.

NORWAY - The Government Petroleum Fund (Statens Petroleumsfond) is considering investments in emerging market fixed income.

Balanced pooled pension funds returned an average of 18.3% for the year to December 31, 2003, research from HSBC Actuaries and Consultants shows.

GLOBAL - The CSFB/Tremont Hedge Fund Index returned 1.95% for December 2003 and 15.44% for 2003.