The Abbey National has just issued a new range of investment bonds, catering for children, the over fiftys and those seeking a safe, fixed rate home for their money.
The Abbey National childrens savings bond is valid for those under 18 and offers a guaranteed 5.3 percent interest rate gross per annum, with an investment period of four years. Meanwhile, at the other end of the age scale, the over 50s will pay interest either annually or monthly to best suit investor circumstances, at a rate of 5.3 percent annual or 5.18 percent monthly.
Finally, the fixed rate bond from the Abbey National is available as a one, two or three year product. Assuming an investment amount of less than GBP50,000 the gross returns are 5.7, 5.2 and 5.1 percent respectively. For the one year bond an investment of GBP50,000 or more would provide a 6 percent return.
The Nationwide Building Society is readying itself for the provision of savings products to customers in the Republic of Ireland.
As long as the proposal is approved by both the FSA and the Irish equivalent then the Nationwide Building Society will begin selling savings products to Irish customers by telephone, online and through the post. The move is being seen as a good strategic option for the Nationwide as it expands their geographic coverage and increases the funding options.
Industry commentators have said that the Nationwide Building Society is already in a strong financial position so this step into Eire is set to improve that position still further.
The Abbey National is making a one year fixed rate bond available for a limited period, with an interest rate of 6.75 percent.
To earn this high rate the bond needs an investment of at least GBP30,000, though anything from GBP1 upwards to that figure will still return a very attractive 6.35 percent. The Abbey National investment bond is on limited availability, with a window of less than a month to get money into it. Starting on August 4 the offer closes at the end of August.
The market really likes fixed rate savings bonds said an Abbey National spokesperson, hence their introduction of this particular one now. Anyone interested is advised to act quickly to ensure availability.