Regions

GLOBAL - The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has urged pension funds to engage with property managers to embed the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) in their decision making.

GLOBAL - Global investors' confidence rose slightly this month to 81.4, up from 80.9 in May, according to the State Street Global Markets' Confidence Index.

INCLUDING: US - Public plans pay more; CANADA - Higher foreign investment; UK - Schroders wins InterContinental Hotels mandate

GLOBAL - Signatories to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment (UNPRI) doubled in 2008 to 381, bringing combined assets under management to US$14trn.

FRANCE/KOREA - Strikes have erupted across France, and South Korea has set a date for action, as unions protest against pension reforms.

Including: US - States vie for lead in Bear Sterns case; TURKEY - Oyak proposes bank merger; UK - Standard Chartered denies buyout talks

EUROPE - UK and Irish pension fund associations have spoken out about comments made in support of Solvency II being applied to the industry last week.

SWEDEN - IPM staffs up and opens Geneva, UK - Ex-FSA chair 'buys out', EUROPE - FAST Funds available pan-Europe

NORDICS - The asset management industry has to face up to back and middle office challenges brought by the rise in the volume and complexity of transactions, according to new research by BNY Mellon Asset Servicing.

EUROPE - Western European mandatory pension systems look set to follow the multi-pillar arrangements seen in Eastern European countries, say some industry experts.