News

STANDARD & POOR'S has launched a investable index for investors seeking exposure to environmentally responsible investment strategies

STRIKES at airports run by BAA have been called off after the firm backed down over plans to close its final salary pension scheme to new members.

UK - A dispute between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and scientists at the Trident nuclear weapons facility may escalate to industrial action following changes to pension contribution rates for the defined benefit (DB) scheme.

US - There has been a sharp decline in the health of US pension funds in the final quarter of 2007, according to UBS Global Asset Management.

Schemes can still get good returns from pooled property vehicles but they must choose high-quality assets with secure returns, Prudential M&G says.

MORE than 60pc of firms offering open final salary schemes expect to keep them open past the introduction of personal accounts, research suggests.

US - The San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA) has earned the highest issuer credit rating of AAA from Standard & Poor's (S&P).

COWEN Asset Management has launched its range of actively managed funds targeted at the institutional pension and multi manager markets.

SWITZERLAND - Swiss trade union leaders have called for an urgent review of the country's pension arrangements, with specific mention of early retirement.

The department for work and pensions is "arrogantly milking" pension schemes due to its failure to keep regulatory costs under control, Gissings says.