On August 1st the actuaries' trade body adopted a new set of mortality tables drawing on data collected between 1999 and 2002, It forecasts yet another increase in life expectancy.

ECONOMIST: Why pension deficits are proving so hard to shift

Universities hope that vast investments will help them attract the best staff and students, draw in research grants and donations, and ultimately boost their ranking in league tables, drawing in yet more talent and money.

ECONOMIST: Many American universities are in financial trouble