loose change

Churchill, the telephone insurer, is teaming up with FirstMortgage, the mortgage-by-phone provider, to offer home loans. The range includes a standard variable rate of 7.2 per cent, a two-year fixed rate of 5.15 per cent, a five-year fix at 7.79 per cent and a four-year discount of 1.27 per cent off the above variable rate with a pounds 500 cashback. Call 0800 080030.

Merchant Investors, the pensions specialist, is offering a free guide to retirement planning with a separate pensions calculator, giving concise and impartial advice on the subject. Call 0800 374857.

TR City of London Trust did not show a fall of more than 40 per cent in the year to 12 August, as indicated in our recent CAT Portfolio feature. The fund grew by more than 30 per cent in that period.