News

US - CalPERS assets under management dipped 6.4% to $171.6bn in the first quarter of 2009 on the back of weak equity returns and write downs in the pension fund's real estate and private equity investments.

US - Although suspending contributions can immediately reduce expenses, it can increase the risk of regulatory non-compliance and also affect employee morale, according to Mercer.

Troubled building society Dunfermline has applied for its pension scheme to enter the Pension Protection Fund.

Dunfermline pensions placed with lifeboat; MPs' pension incentive

Low cost perks, such as time off in lieu, increased holidays and greater training support, have increased as employers attempt to re-motivate staff, a survey shows.

The Association of Member-directed Pension Schemes has reached an agreement with HM Revenue & Customs to improve pension practice in the face of the global economic downturn.

Some 87% of trustees have reported the funding levels of their pension schemes have worsened since last year, Aon Consulting says.

Law firm Lovells has appointed Claire Southern as a partner in its pensions department.

IRELAND - The legality of measures to discontinue pension payments to former minsters still serving in parliament has been called into question by the Irish attorney general.

INDIA - India's pension market is poised to grow 39% year over year to 2013, according the Indian Pension Fund Market Forecast 2013.