US Wrap: Finance and freight for mid-week

Barclays Bank has launched three new reverse convertibles covering some unusual stock themes. After the massive tumbles taken by the Baltic Dry Index last year, freight is now making a return to the structured products market in the form of a note linked to the equity of Dry Ships, a shipping company specialising in dry bulk.

The Hartford Financial Group was also on Barclays' list, after an absence of over a year from the reverse convertible market. MGM Mirage equity rounded off the trio, also making a return following 12 months out of the market.

Both Barclays and Deutsche Bank launched accelerated growth products linked to the S&P 500. Deutsche opted for a short term play on the index, inching downside participation up to 105.26% to be able to offer 200% participation on the upside. Returns are capped at 11.11% and