Regions

EUROPE - Mercer Human Resource Consulting has revealed it is developing a directly packaged longevity solution which should be available by early 2008.

GLOBAL - A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned that the value of compulsory pension systems will drop by an average of 22% in 16 member states.

UK- Only 19 % of UK pension schemes have implemented an LDI strategy - despite an expressed need, according to new research from SEI.

GLOBAL - A total of US$85bn in new institutional assets will be allocated into hedge funds in the next two years, according to a report by Private Equity Intelligence (Prequin).

BRAZIL - Brazil is on track to achieve "full investment grade" status within 18 months, which according to HSBC, could potentially offer institutional investors access to a large number of fixed interest instruments.

GLOBAL - Hedge fund managers have stepped up to defend the fees they charge pension funds.

AUSTRALIA - The Enhanced Analytics Initiative's (EAI) assets under management grew to €1.85trn (US$2.4trn) as it welcomed two new Australian superannuation associate members.

GLOBAL - The US, Germany and UK have agreed on the need to draw up a code of conduct for the hedge fund industry, according to German finance minister Peer Steinbrueck.

EUROPE - Deutsche Bank has announced it planned to launch over 40 new ETFs in the coming months, in the hope of conquering the European ETF market.

GLOBAL - Investec reported pre-tax operating profit increases of 20% in its annual results.