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.
The Abbey National is aiming to help smokers kick the habit by encouraging them to save the money they would normally spend on cigarettes.
The typical 20 cigarettes a day smoker spends around GBP170 each month that could be used for many different and ultimately far better uses. Over the period of just a year a smoker who gives up and puts the money they would have spent into a monthly savings account such as the Abbey National Fixed Rate Monthly Saver would have a balance just 12 months later of almost GBP2,120.
An Abbey National spokesman urged smokers to think seriously about their options and consider the benefits of using a savings account to put money to one side. It can quickly build up into a tidy sum and the person becomes healthier into the bargain.
Zurich Insurance has expanded the number of funds it offers to investors, aiming to give more options to better suit customer requirements.
Eighteen new Sterling Bonds have been introduced as well as 22 Sterling Mutual Funds. The combination of options now allows investors to choose from a much wider variety of asset families. Zurich Insurance customers will be able to structure a portfolio that best meets their needs and risk profile, meaning less compromise.
A Zurich Insurance spokesman said that these new multi-manager funds will be most appealing to investors looking for a diverse portfolio and seeking to rate their options on the underlying approach to risk.
