Investment Bonds

Abbey Savings has launched its new Guaranteed Income Bond (GIB Issue 25), which offers its highest ever rate of 4.88per cent net (6.10 per cent gross equivalent) per annum.

Bank of Scotland International has launched its new Five Year Sterling Capital Guaranteed Savings 'Bond 22', which guarantees customers' initial capital investment and gives them the opportunity to benefit from any growth or fall of the FTSE 100 Index.

Michiel de Bruin, F&C's Head of European Government Bonds comments on rate rise from the European Central Bank: "Today, as expected, the ECB raised its main refinancing rate with another 0.25% to 4%, the highest level since August 2001.

Abbey has launched a new issue of capital guaranteed deposit bonds. The bonds offer guaranteed full return of capital at maturity and different benefits depending on the link to the underlying investment. They are the latest in the series of continuously available capital guaranteed products from Abbey and are:

Fidelity FundsNetwork today announces a further improvement to its onshore Investment Bond account. Advisers who recommend the FundsNetwork Onshore Investment Bond will now benefit from an increased range of fund links. From 7th June, a further 11 new fund links will be added, bringing the total choice available to over 200 funds.

Fidelity FundsNetwork is challenging the conventions of the international investment bond market with the launch of its innovative and highly competitive International Bond.

Abbey has launched a new Super Bond, a limited edition fixed-rate bond offering 8.1 per cent if customers put an equal amount or more into Abbey’s tax-efficient Guaranteed Growth Plan, or other growth investment.

The latest survey by Investment, Life & Pensions Moneyfacts has revealed how rising payouts are finally rewarding investors who have stuck by their with profits bonds through the recent lean years.

“Moribund” growth in sterling corporate bond market means limited investment opportunities.

Leeds Building Society has launched the ideal product for customers wishing to benefit from the growth potential of the stock market combined with guaranteed interest.

Nationwide has launched a new tranche of its Guaranteed Equity Bond (GEB), which will be offered for an extended period of ten weeks.

Bank of Scotland International has launched its new 50:50 Five Year Sterling and US Dollar Capital Guaranteed Savings 'Bond 21', which guarantees customers' initial capital investment and gives them the opportunity to benefit from the growth potential of the stock market.

Legal & General has announced that, subject to regulatory approval, it is launching a new international life company later this year.

The corporate bond funds and Strategic Bond in particular have been well placed to weather the storm of the last few days.

Standard Life International Limited is pleased to announce the launch of an enhanced offshore bond, building on the success of the company’s first International Bond launch in January 2006.