Balmoral gives 8.5%

--------------------------------------------------------------- SIX OF THE BEST Savings --------------------------------------------------------------- Type Account Term * 0% *25% *40% Min GIB Laurentian Life 5 years 6.35 6.35 5.40 pounds 50,000 B Soc Manchester Instant 7.50 5.63 4.50 pounds 50,000 Tessa Hinckley & Rugby 5 years 8.05 8.05 8.05 pounds 25 --------------------------------------------------------------- *Compounded annual rate except for GIB (guaranteed income bond) Source: Chase De Vere 071-404 5766 ---------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgages --------------------------------------------------------------- Type Source Deal Variable Northern Rock 4.98% discounted rate on 75% loans Fixed Alliance & Leicester 6.95% for 3 years on 90% loans Capped Citibank 9.99% cap on 5-year 85% loans --------------------------------------------------------------- Source: John Charcol 071-611 7000 ---------------------------------------------------------------

BRISTOL & West is offering a gross rate of 8.5 per cent on its 12-month Balmoral Bond. The rate applies to deposits of pounds 100,000 or more. The society is offering 7.5 per cent gross on pounds 10,000 deposits.

Guaranteed income bond rates have dropped substantially recently. London & Manchester still offers the best rate on five-year pounds 2,000 bonds - despite the rate having been cut to 6.25 per cent gross.

National Savings has introduced a new pounds 25,000 tier on the Investment Account and Income Bond. On deposits above this level, the Investment Account will pay 6.5 per cent gross and the Income Bond 7.25 per cent gross.