News

GLOBAL - Total exchange traded fund (ETF) assets under management (AuM) have fallen by more than 20% so far this year, but fell less than global markets, according to Barclays Global Investors (BGI).

AUSTRALIA - Northern Trust is to launch a tax and investment accounting solution for superannuation funds in 2009, as part of a plan to deliver a broader range of custody and asset services from its Melbourne office.

INCLUDING: UK - FTSE offers short and leveraged indices; AUSTRALIA - Mercer selects RCM; EUROPE - STOXX indexes licensed to Commerzbank AG

NETHERLANDS - The number of Dutch pension funds that fail to meet government rules on the ratio of assets to obligations increased more than fivefold in the third quarter as equity investments declined.

Another defined benefit pension scheme entered into the Pension Protection Fund in November resulting in an additional 402 people receiving compensation.

Defined contribution charges must be "substantially reduced" and members must be made aware about 40pc of their pot is swallowed up in fees, a study says.

Pension risk poses a "clear and present danger" to the health of sponsoring employers, Hewitt Associates warns.

Uncertainty over pension errors; Fury over SNP decision to continue overpaying Scottish public sector pensions; We can't go on paying gold-plated pensions; Pension chief admits 40% goes in fees

Sponsoring companies who have not protected themselves through de-risking face a "pensions Armageddon" in 2009, Towers Perrin warns.

The department for work and pensions has launched a consultation on the impact of age discrimination on employers' flexible retirement policies.