EU plans to ease derivatives rules in bid to boost economy

London

THE European Union has proposed easing derivatives rules in a move which will save pension funds billions of euros, as it seeks to boost growth in the bloc.

New rules were introduced in 2012 after the sector was blamed for accentuating the 2007-09 financial crisis. Policymakers are now trying to help drive growth by cutting red tape for companies and investors, though not for big banks.

The European Commission proposed a draft law on Thursday to continue shielding pension funds - a sector it sees as critical for investment in infrastructure - from having to clear their d…