LOOSE CHANGE

London & Country Mortgages, the mortgage broker, is linking with National Counties Building Society to launch a five-year fixed-rate loan at 7.39 per cent. Call 0800 373300.

Gartmore is extending the no-charge offer on its Global PEP until 31 May. The fund also operates no exit, switching or withdrawal charges on its portfolio. Call 0800 289336.

Chase de Vere is launching a three-year fixed mortgage, charging 6.60 per cent until March 2000. A lender's fee of pounds 295 applies. The redemption penalty is three months' interest for three years. Call 0800 747374.

Birmingham Midshires is relaunching its five-year fixed-interest Retirement Bond, paying monthly interest of 7.1 per cent gross. Call 0500 070707.

Abbey National has launched a Premium Reward Bond, offering up to 6.8 per cent gross. The bond has a minimum 12-month term. Call 0800 100801

Albany Life is launching a Guaranteed Equity Bond, offering capital guarantees plus the chance to share in gains recorded by the FTSE 100 share index. Call 01707 669000.

Skandia Life is launching an umbrella PEP which allows the option of investing in a range of different fund managers' unit trusts. Call 0800 243509.