Regions

GLOBAL - Exchange traded fund (ETF) assets fell during January, although less than the decline on global markets, according to Barclays Global Investors (BGI).

US - The Teachers' Retirement System of the state of Illinois (TRS) has axed three managers and placed several more on watch, including PIMCO, as it reviews its investment strategies ahead of an April asset allocation review.

GLOBAL - Asset management fees remained stable in 2008 but are likely to be under pressure in 2009, a report by Mercer says.

GLOBAL - A global alliance comprising 34 law firms from more than 21 countries has been formed in Madrid in reaction to the global fraud allegedly committed by Bernard Madoff.

EUROPE - The best investment strategy in retirement is to hold a significant proportion of pension assets in equity early on in retirement and to switch progressively to bond holdings and annuities over time, a report commissioned by the European Fund...

GLOBAL - Aegon is set to scale back business at its institutional markets division based in Kentucky, in a quest to counter the effects of an expected net loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 of €1.2bn (US$1.5bn).

GLOBAL - Significant losses experienced by pension funds have resulted in funding deficiencies so large that many companies will not be in a position to make the required pension contributions, a survey by SEI claims.

GLOBAL - Multinational organisations are moving towards a more global approach over funding decisions, risk assessment and managing their retirement plans, a survey by Mercer says.

EUROPE - The European Parliament industry committee has approved the creation of a pan-European pension fund for researchers.

GLOBAL - Private pension schemes lost an estimated US$5.4trn in 2008, prompting fears over the sustainability of retirement plans, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).