News

GLOBAL - A report by Norges Bank has cited low interest rates and a declining dollar as the main drivers of surging commodity prices, not the effect of institutional investors such as pension funds.

UK - Bedfordshire County Council has appointed Hewitt Associates to act as investment manager for its £1.1bn (US$2.05bn) pension fund.

INCREASING numbers of people of state pension age claiming means tested benefits and the weakening economic climate will affect the launch of personal accounts, Scottish Life says.

Shares fall on fears of rising inflation and credit crisis fallout; Banks split three ways on rates

MANY schemes are beginning to look at governance software to help improve trustee effectiveness, eShare claims.

Lehman Brothers has launched a risk reduction product for pension schemes, PP has learned.

WILLIAM CRIST has been appointed to the board of Governance for Owners Group and will take over as chairman in October.

INCREASING longevity, market volatility and rising inflation are the biggest threats to saving for retirement, new research from MetLife Europe shows.

DENMARK - Compulsory employee contributions for pension savings may be reintroduced next year under plans by the Fogh government.

AUSTRALIA - Unlisted property and alternative assets are increasingly being used as a tool by implemented consultants looking to improve the risk and returns of their portfolios, a quarterly survey by Deloitte Actuaries & Consultants has revealed.