News

UK - The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has expressed disappointment over the departure of the Pension Protection Fund's CEO Partha Dasgupta, but said it hopes more can be achieved before he leaves in June.

NETHERLANDS - ABP has committed US$75m to a private equity fund managed by BlueOrchard, in what is its first investment in a private equity microfinance fund.

IRELAND - The €19.4bn (US$30.5bn) National Pension Reserve Fund has allocated €600m to emerging market equities, split between three asset managers.

UK - The government is being urged to encourage innovation in pension scheme design, following the release of its risk-sharing consultation.

RECRUITMENT specialist Sammons Pensions has launched its seventh annual salary survey.

SWEDEN - AP1's fixed income and alternative investments generated positive returns in the first half of 2008, despite a total negative return of -8%.

Tube Lines chief warns of Metronet pension cost; Pensions rate switch adds to the liabilities burden; Henderson warns of tough year ahead; BSkyB chief exec Jeremy Darroch's pay package nears £2m; Economists forecast year of recession in 2009

US - Gains made during bull markets are significantly greater than the losses incurred during bear market cycles, meaning long term investors should hold steady during times of market turbulence, according to research by Putnam Investments.

DC contribution levels are remaining static despite the tough economical climate, Fidelity International says.

Member rights could be affected if plans to re-think the risk-based levy result in underfunded pension schemes offloading growth assets, the Occupational Pensions Trusts warns.