Insurance companies' good deals

FINANCIAL Assurance is leading the market for smaller investors on four-year guaranteed income bonds. On pounds 5,000 investments it offers a 6.25 per cent rate of return. On pounds 20,000 investments the return rises to 6.3 per cent. However, on pounds 50,000 investments held for four years General Portfolio offers a rate of return of 6.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Universal Building Society is offering a gross return of 8.6 per cent on its one-year savings account. The Cheltenham & Gloucester 90-day notice account offers gross returns of 7.55 per cent on pounds 10,000 deposits, 8.05 per cent on pounds 25,000 investments, 8.3 per cent on pounds 50,000 investments and 8.55 per cent on pounds 100,000 investments.

The Scarborough Building Society offers a slightly better rate of 8.6 per cent on pounds 100,000 investments.