Special Program Root Tag

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corp. announced Monday that it has enhanced its Cost Basis Reporting Service to act as a central hub between all financial intermediaries—broker-dealers, transfer agents, issuers, mutual funds and custodian banks.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased 1.1% in November to 112.4, following a 0.4% increase in October and a 0.6% increase in September.

The Financial Services Authority has fined a former executive from Toronto Dominion Bank $1.2 million for intentionally mispricing trading positions in credit derivatives to cover his losses and banned him from working in the financial services industry.

Employers are clearly more optimistic about the economy, for another 40% that had suspended 401(k) contributions will resume them by mid 2011, doubling the 40% that already have resumed suspended or reduced matches, the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America announced Friday.

Workers around the world expect to retire at 61, a survey of 31,359 people by AXA Equitable found. In the U.S., people expect to retire at age 63.

The House approved an $858 billion extension of the Bush-era tax rates and unemployment benefits late Thursday night, a day after the Senate approved the bill, sending the bill to President Obama’s desk.

Northern Trust has integrated its BarraOne global, multi-asset class portfolio risk service with its custody, accounting, fund administration and collateral management platform.

Rollovers into traditional IRAs occur evenly across all age groups and play a significant role in the growth of IRA assets, according to research by the Investment Company Institute and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, released Thursday.

More Americans plan to consider financial resolutions when the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, a new Fidelity Investments survey says. The annual study found that 42% of Americans plan to make financial New Year’s resolutions, up from 35% last year. Results of this year’s telephone survey included 1,006 adults ages 18 and older.

Morningstar has added a new credit research module to its portal for advisers and other investment professionals, the Morningstar Analyst Research Center.

Assets in money market mutual fund assets decreased by $33.2 billion, in the week ended Dec. 15, the Investment Company Institute said Thursday.

Hedge fund managers found it a little easier to hang out their own shingles in the third quarter.

ConvergEx is acquiring Barclays Bank’s RealTick global, multi-broker and cross-asset execution platform. Financial terms of the deal, expected to close before the end of the year, were not disclosed.

Americans are beginning to have faith in the markets and the economy, Putnam Investments found in a survey of 1,000 people.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has censured Citigroup Global Markets after finding the financial services firm failed to report transactions promptly to its Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine.

U.S. equities are the primary beneficiary of improving global investor sentiment, according to the BofA Merrill Lynch Survey of Fund Managers for December.About 44% of respondents expect the world’s economy to strengthen in 2011. And with the continuing problems in Europe’s debt market, investors are turning to U.S. equities, according to the survey.

Long-term funds had outflows of $3.25 billion for the week ended Dec. 8, the Investment Company Institute said.

Advisers who have admonished clients to spend wisely during their working years and adjust their expectations for retirement can take heart: Americans are coming around, according to a study by Hartford Financial.

Small and medium sized businesses are ready to hire again, according to a survey by employment agency AppleOne, released Wednesday.

Low wage growth and no annual cost of living adjustments by Social Security will undoubtedly result in greatly reduced Social Security benefits, The Senior Citizens League said in a report issued Wednesday. Those who become eligible for benefits in 2011 will receive lower benefits than those born a year earlier.