Income bonds up

RATES on guaranteed income bonds have crept up slightly since the start of the year. Not only does Financial Assurance now offer the best five-year rates, but - with a return of 6.6 per cent - it also leads the four-year market.

Going in the opposite direction, Exeter Bank has just cut its Tessa rates from 8.77 per cent to 7.98 per cent. Apart from Allied Trust, the best Tessa rates are now to be found with West Bromwich and Stroud & Swindon building societies. West Brom offers a 9 per cent return but it makes a pounds 25 transfer charge and requires one month's notice for transfers. Stroud & Swindon pays 8.25 per cent - the best rate on Tessa without a transfer penalty.