Investment Bonds

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.

Abbey Financial Markets has launched a second special release structured deposit linked to the FTSE100 to complement its constantly available capital guaranteed bonds linked to the FTSE 100, NIKKEI 225 and residential and commercial property markets.

Friends Provident, the FTSE 100 life and pensions company, has launched a new guaranteed bond reflecting consumer demand for secure long-term investment products.

With effect from Monday 12 February 2007, Nationwide is to launch a new tranche of its Guaranteed Equity Bond with improved terms.

On Saturday 10 February Chelsea Building Society will launch a Guaranteed Equity Bond (GEB).

As inflation sits at a 10-year high of 3%, bond investors could be forgiven for wondering where their returns will come from.

Recent consumer research carried out by Engage has identified a real appetite for investment products offering the potential for higher returns than cash deposits, while not taking uncomfortable levels of investment risk.

Abbey has launched a new issue of capital guaranteed structured deposit accounts with an extended offer period extended offer period so that investors can take advantage of Mini Cash ISA allowances for both this tax year and next.

Last year was tough for corporate bond funds, normally known for their steady unassuming performance and stability compared with more volatile equities. Justine Fearns, Research Manager at AWD Chase de Vere, explains why many lost capital and says the outlook for 2007 is better, but not brilliant.

Birmingham Midshires, the provider of consistent best buy bonds, today offered savers the chance to maximise the return on their investment with the launch of a new 5 Year Guaranteed Equity Bond at a market-leading rate of interest.

Legal & General is launching the fourth ‘tranche’ in its series of guaranteed equity bonds.

Legal & General has announced it is extending the special offer on Portfolio Bond.

Nationwide has launched a new tranche of its Guaranteed Equity Bond (GEB).

The bond markets have travelled through 2006 without too many bumps in the road but as 2007 approaches a major slowdown in the US could see default levels jump sharply, warns Ian Robinson, manager of F&C Fixed Interest Fund.