With global pension fund assets estimated at $18.6 trillion by the end of 2005, our retirement savings represent one of the world's largest and most significant categories of institutional investment (International Financial Services, London, IFSL, January 2007).

Most pension funds invest only in equities and bonds, with small allocations to property and cash. However, in recent years concerns have grown over the risks inherent in the converging performance of these asset classes, leading to increased interest in assets that could be used to manage this exposure as well as other risks.

The investment community's acceptance of the potential for using alternative assets, including commodities, to spread risk and diversify the portfolios under their stewardship, has also resulted in a renewed interest in the investment characteristics of gold. A growing number of institutions are now looking beyond the precious metal's tactical benefits and considering the implications and possible advantages of a more enduring, strategic allocation.

Gold for US Pension Plans and Gold for UK Pension Funds are designed to provide pensions professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom with a wide range of information about the gold market and gold investment, using data and analysis specific to each country.