Barclays Launches Investment Notes

    /24-7PressRelease/ - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, September 22, 2006 - Barclays Stockbrokers today introduces Investment Notes, institutional quality products which are designed to enable investors to complement their portfolios in volatile market conditions, earning returns on their investment with an element of capital protection at maturity. The launch of Investment Notes will see retail investors directly accessing London Stock Exchange listed structured products for the first time. Created by Barclays Capital, Investment Notes will be accessible online and over the phone through Barclays Stockbrokers.

Investment Notes are the first structured products to be available via a live secondary market through their listing on the London Stock Exchange. This will enable investors to take advantage of enhanced liquidity and transparent pricing. Like more traditional structured products, Investment Notes will provide investors with pre-determined return profiles that are linked to the performance of an underlying instrument, such as a basket of shares or an index, and each will have a different maturity term and specific risk/reward profile.

Barclays Stockbrokers has partnered with Barclays Capital to bring these innovative products, traditionally reserved for market professionals and institutional investors, to the individual investor. The resulting Investment Notes suit varying investment needs and appetites to risk, allowing investors to capitalize on changing market conditions. Unlike similar products that are constructed as derivatives, Investment Notes, which are Barclays Bank (AA1/AA rated) issued Notes, can be held in an ISA, PEP or a SIPP*. Any gains on Investment Notes would normally be taxable as a capital gain.

Amy Nauiokas, Head of Barclays Stockbrokers says: "The launch of Investment Notes marks the start of a more diverse range of products and services available from Barclays Stockbrokers. We know from talking to our clients that there is a demand for growth products that provide protection in volatile markets. By offering Investment Notes at a lower cost than traditional structured products, we provide an alternative to sharedealing that can enhance and complement our customers' portfolios. We will be launching new Investment Notes on a regular basis in response to changing market conditions and investor demand."

Philip Northey, Head of Distribution, Barclays Stockbrokers says: "Investment Notes will allow individual investors direct access to these Barclays Capital's products for the first time. Through Barclays Stockbrokers, investors will be able to take advantage of quality products normally reserved for the institutions in a straightforward package and in real time. An exciting first for the financial services landscape, we believe that the creation of Investment Notes will put increasingly sophisticated retail investors on a level footing with the institutions."

Two Investment Notes will be available on the first day of trading, Monday 18 September, and will have elements of protection and investors can be certain of retrieving a set amount of their investment at the end of the term. New Investment Notes will be created on a regular basis in response to changing market conditions and investor appetite to risk. Upcoming launches include notes that provide exposure to the Asian and Commodities markets.

For further information contact:

Caroline Wells / Emma Rees
PR Manager, Barclays Wealth Management
020 7114 7435 / 020 7114 9813
or
Chantal Heckford/Katie Hayward
Lansons Communications
020 7294 3639/3631
[email protected]/[email protected]

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