News

EUROPE - Decisions on pension reforms in pay-as-you-go (PAYG) systems should be made at the European level because of the negative implications for countries with fully funded systems, Dutch economist Yvonne Adema has argued.

FSA plan to halt use of surplus to pay mis-selling claims; Investors' role in high prices played down; The fightback starts here

MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA - Expanding growth and liquidity has made the Middle East and North African (MENA) one of the more attractive growth regions in the near future, according to senior figures at Pictet Funds.

CANADA - A call for a national summit on pensions has been welcomed by the Association of Canadian Pension Management (ACPM).

US - The political contributions of four companies in the US will be made known to shareholders, following pressure from New York City pension funds.

AON CONSULTING has launched a six-month wellness programme to encourage mental and physical health among its 50-strong benefits solutions office in Farnborough.

UK - Action on pensions will influence voting preferences in key marginal seats, union Unite has warned the government.

Soros says commodity indices not legitimate asset classes for pension funds; Aegon changes focus; Float of EDP renewable energy unit emerges as Europe's biggest this year; Bradford & Bingley investors incensed over cut-price sale of stake to TPG Capital...

THE National Pensioners' Convention has called on ministers to raise the basic level of state pension to above the poverty level of £134 a week.

SOME 45pc of employers are likely to auto-enrol all employees into their company pension schemes before personal accounts are introduced, Capita Hartshead research finds.