US - State governments would be forced to report a net pension liability in their financial statements under new accounting proposals put forward by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

The use of alternative assets by pension funds grew by 16% in 2010 to $952bn (£596bn), according to research by Towers Watson.

GLOBAL - The use of alternative asset by pension funds grew by 16% to $952bn in 2010, according to research by Towers Watson.

US/UK - Principal Global Investors has acquired a 74% stake in London-based Origin Asset Management for $66m (£40.7m).

GLOBAL - Towers Watson has appointed Paul Morris as regional leader for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He replaces Babloo Ramamurthy, who is retiring after 34 years at the company.

IRELAND - Irish pension managed funds lost ground during June, with an average return of -2.1% for the month, research shows.

AUSTRALIA - Medicare will be responsible for the early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds after new legislation was introduced into Australia's Parliament this week.

US - Acadian Asset Management has appointed Goldman Sachs' Wesley Chan as director of research operations.

EUROPE - M&G Investments has closed its Real Estate Debt fund with €343m ($491m) of institutional investor commitments.

UK - Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) has appointed Aberdeen Asset Management's Nick Griffiths as head of global rates.