Barclays improves rates

Barclays has launched a series of new offerings which it has garnished with improved rates, starting with the six-year Minimum Return Plan offering a fixed minimum rate of 30% (previously 28%), or 50% of the rise in the FTSE 100 Index, whichever is the greater at maturity.

The bank has also improved rates for the three and five-year versions of its Defined Returns Plan, with the three-year offering a potential of 20% (previously 18%) and the five-year option now offering a potential 40% (previously 38.75%) at maturity. Final returns are subject to the FTSE 100 Index finishing same as or higher than its starting level.

“This time last year, the Minimum Return was as low as 23%,” said Colin Dickie, director at Barclays. “From next month we will be offering 30%