Regions

SOUTH AFRICA - For the first time in South Africa's history, total pension fund assets have hit the R1trn (US$162.7bn) mark, according to the latest annual report released by the Financial Services Board.

GLOBAL - Currency strength is not an indicator for long-term equity returns, and equity markets experiencing currency weakness are more likely to outperform, a study has shown.

GLOBAL - Morgan Stanley Investment Management has named Dennis Shea as its new chief investment officer, replacing Joe McAlinden.

GLOBAL - Net revenues at Hewitt Associates declined by 1% to $701m in the first fiscal quarter of 2006, down from $709m in Q1 of fiscal 2005 (end December 2004).

ASIA - Asian hedge fund activity is expected to heat up this year, with institutional investors, including pension funds, using their clout to get better returns from the companies they invest in.

EUROPE - Robert Hau has joined Investec Asset Management as director of business development Europe.

GLOBAL - A coalition of global investors, including pension funds, with combined assets of $28.9trillion has written to 1,800 of the largest quoted companies asking for the disclosure of investment information on greenhouse gas emissions.

GLOBAL - Jones Lang Lasalle reported revenues of US$1.39bn for the full year 2005, up 19% from the year before aided by growth in all operating segments. The real estate services and money management firm reported a net income increase of 61%, rising...

GLOBAL - Janus Capital Group, a subsidiary of INTECH, announced the launch of a global core equity capability for institutional investors, applicable to non-US markets.

GLOBAL - Growth of institutional pension assets in the 11 major markets has reached 17% in 2005, up 7% on the previous year and outpacing liabilities, according to Watson Wyatt.