Barclays FTSE 100 Accelerated Return Investment Note Issue 2

For confident investors seeking opportunities in current market conditions, Barclays Stockbrokers has launched the FTSE 100 Accelerated Return Investment Note Issue 2. The Note is available until 23 December 2008 and is a five year growth investment linked to the performance of the FTSE 100 Index, which comprises the 100 most highly capitalised blue chip companies.

Investments can start from as little as £500 and the FTSE 100 Accelerated Return Investment Note Issue 2 is designed for today's uncertain market conditions. The Note offers a return of five times the first 20 per cent rise in the Index (FTSE 100); meaning the final index level only needs to have risen by 20 per cent for an investor to receive a 100 per cent return. The final level of the FTSE 100 Index used for this purpose is averaged over the last six months of the term.

If an investment is made at launch the investor will receive the initial investment back at maturity, provided the FTSE 100 has not fallen to less than 50 per cent of the Initial Index Level at any time during the term - in which case the capital return will be reduced by 1 per cent for every 1 per cent the Index is below its Initial Level.

Barbara-Ann King, Head of Proposition at Barclays Stockbrokers says: "During the extreme volatility in world markets over the past year, and especially over the past three months, the FTSE 100 has experienced unprecedented turbulence. Many of our clients want to take advantage of these conditions and are actively seeking investment opportunities for the long term; this Investment Note, exclusive to Barclays Stockbrokers, is designed for investors looking for enhanced returns over the next five years.

"As with previous Investment Notes, the FTSE 100 Accelerated Return Investment Note 2 also gives investors the flexibility of buying and selling through Barclays Stockbrokers on a daily basis. Investors can also trade online and by telephone. The Note is available for a very limited period, and may close early as results show investors are keen to take advantage of this opportunity."

Investors can put as little as £500 into the Note and, after launch, can trade daily through Barclays Stockbrokers. The product is available to invest through a MarketMaster, Investment ISA and SIPP account.

The flexible nature of Investment Notes means that an investor may choose to receive the capital protection offered by holding the Note to maturity or can sell the note before maturity to capitalise on any shorter term gains that materialise. However, if sold before maturity an investor may get back less than they invested.