News

AUSTRALIA - The liability represented by defined benefit (DB) superannuation funds in the balance sheets of Australian listed companies has been quantified for the first time at Aus$40bn, according to new research from Watson Wyatt Worldwide.

Tube strikes warning; Turmoil in markets to hit City bonuses; Merger moves lift Wall Street spirits; KKR postpones $1.25bn float as credit chaos deters buyers

SCANDINAVIA - Scandinavian equities helped three major funds to yield positive returns in the first half of 2007, according to the latest new results released.

FURTHER falls in retirement saving is "inevitable", Prudential's retirement income panel warns.

ONE in five retired homeowners have an outstanding mortgage, with an average debt of £38,000, research from Scottish Widows shows.

EMPLOYERS need to do more to overcome the challenges of "glass cliff" discrimination in the workplace, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development urges.

VIRGIN Media has appointed BUPA to offer healthcare cover to around 13,000 employees for the next three years.

NETHERLANDS/ARGENTINA - ING Group confirmed that it was still locked in talks to acquire Origenes AFJP pension fund from the Argentinean arm of Santander and its joint venture partner in the pension business Grupo Bapro.

Freeing investors from current "shackles" that prevent protected rights being put into a self-invested personal pension will be warmly welcomed, Standard Life says.

MILEAGE allowances should be linked to CO2 emissions to promote greener travel choices among employees, Provecta Car Plan claims.