Britain’s company pension schemes, grappling with ageing former employees and low investment returns, may start to transfer their assets into new so-called superfunds in the coming weeks, according to people involved in the process.

BAE Systems will eliminate almost 2,000 jobs as it struggles to secure new orders for the Eurofighter Typhoon warplane and slims down its naval ships and cyber-security businesses.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

BAE Systems recently bought a 20% stake in a company developing a radical engine that could propel aircraft into space.

Five people have died in a mid-air collision between two planes in Southern California.

Global shares staged a rebound today after a speech by Russian president Vladimir Putin fuelled hopes of an easing in tensions over Ukraine.

UK fighter jets have flown for the first time with parts made using 3D printing technology.

UK defence giant BAE Systems is to axe 1,775 jobs across its naval ships business and end shipbuilding at one of Britain's most historic yards.

Experts have used 3D laser imaging to get under the skin of Lord Nelson’s famous ship HMS Victory and help with its future preservation.

BAE Systems has revealed that more than 1,000 of its staff are sitting idle because of the partial shutdown in US government services.

Power giants Centrica and SSE saw UK shares tumble after Labour leader Ed Miliband’s vow to freeze household energy bills spooked markets.

Aerospace company BAE Systems has successfully completed an "unmanned" flight with a Jetstream 31 – dubbed the “flying test bed” – from Warton near Preston in Lancashire, England, to Inverness in Scotland.

Mobile phone giant Vodafone has teamed up with defence firm BAE Systems to develop new technology to protect businesses against cyber attacks.

British PM David Cameron arrived in Mumbai today at the head of the largest trade delegation taken overseas by a prime minister, on a mission to “open doors for British business” in India.

London’s top flight index resumed its new year rally today as it was cheered by encouraging data from both sides of the Atlantic.

Uncertainty caused by tonight's US fiscal cliff deadline quashed any celebrations over a near 6% jump for the FTSE 100 Index over 2012.

Embattled defence giant BAE Systems is facing calls from major shareholders for top bosses to step down following its failed attempt to merge with EADS.

British defence giant BAE Systems confirmed today that plans for a £28bn (€34.66bn) merger with French rival EADS have been scrapped.

Defence giant BAE Systems is reportedly facing a growing investor revolt over its plans to merge with European rival EADS due to a lack of detail on the deal.

The boss of defence giant BAE Systems stands to make £18m (€22.5m) almost overnight if the firm’s controversial merger with Airbus aircraft manufacturer EADS goes ahead, it has been reported.

A potential multibillion euro merger between defence giant BAE Systems and Airbus aircraft manufacturer EADS has come under further pressure after a major shareholder demanded a better deal.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has spoken to his counterparts in France and Germany about the proposed £28bn (€35bn) of BAE Systems with European aerospace giant EADS.

The leaders of France and Germany will seek a common position at a series of meetings this week on a €34.5bn defence merger that could involve them having to give up strategic influence in aerospace group EADS.

European Aeronautic, Defense and Space, the parent of Airbus SAS, is in negotiations with BAE Systems about a merger.

Strong corporate earnings figures in the US boosted markets today but the UK's slide back into recession left London's leading shares index with only lacklustre gains.

Supermarket giant Tesco failed to win over investors with its £1bn plan to revive its UK arm today as the grocer followed world markets into the red.

British prime minister David Cameron began a four-day tour of Asia by calling on Japan to end trade restrictions on British companies to open the way for a free-trade agreement with the EU.

Fresh worries about the eurozone debt crisis and the UK economy meant London’s blue chip shares index struggled to make significant gains today.

More positive signs from the US failed to lift London’s leading shares index today as fears over the eurozone and a credit agency warning to banks rattled investors.

London’s leading shares index struggled to make progress today after weaker-than-expected retail sales in the US overshadowed an upbeat bond auction in debt-laden Italy.

THE world’s top four audit firms will have to split up and rename themselves under a far-reaching draft EU law to crack down on conflicts of interest and shortcomings highlighted by the financial crisis.

UK defence giant BAE Systems will end days of speculation today by announcing around 3,000 job cuts.

BRITISH stocks climbed for the fifth day in six amid speculation the US Federal Reserve may announce more stimulus measures to help drive the world’s largest economy.

Libya’s ongoing crisis sent the London market into the red today as oil prices continued to surge.

Miners and banking stocks dragged the FTSE 100 Index into the red today as concerns over global political unrest hit investor sentiment.

Shares pressure in the retail sector weighed on the FTSE 100 Index today as a mixed session on Wall Street also hit stocks.

IRISH software company, Norkom Technologies looks set to be sold for more than €200m, after receiving a formal offer which it has recommended to its shareholders.

A division of BAE Systems which makes cockpit displays for fighter jets and digital engine controls for commercial aircraft has been taken off the market after its owner failed to agree a sale.

Mining and banking stocks pulled the FTSE 100 Index into the red today despite strong gains for microchip designer ARM and Marks & Spencer.

The FTSE 100 Index showed little appetite for finishing the year above 6,000 today, despite some better economic news from the United States.

Defence giant BAE Systems was today fined £500,000 (€589,205) for failing to keep proper records of payments to an adviser in the east African country of Tanzania.

The FTSE 100 Index rose to its highest level for two-and-a-half-years today amid market rumours of a bid from Royal Dutch Shell for rival BP.

WikiLeaks has now published a secret list of facilities that the US considers vital to national security.

The British naval chief in charge of a nuclear-powered submarine which ran aground on a shingle bank has been relieved of his command.

The London market fluctuated today ahead of a decision by the US Federal Reserve on how they intend to stimulate economic recovery.

A British nuclear-powered submarine that ran aground off the coast of Scotland was making its way back to base for further checks today.

A nuclear-powered submarine which ran aground on a shingle bank earlier today has been towed free tonight, the Royal Navy said.

London’s blue chip share index dropped into the red today as investor nerves built ahead of key UK economic news.