Northern Rock reopens post

NORTHERN Rock Building Society has reopened its postal account for a limited period. It pays 7.1 per cent interest gross (5.33 per cent net) on investments of pounds 20,000 or more.

Minimum investment is pounds 2,000, which pays 6.6 per cent gross (4.95 per cent net). Investing between pounds 10,000 and pounds 20,000 will earn 6.85 per cent (5.14 per cent net). Interest is paid annually. More information on 0500-505 000.

Portman Building Society has re-entered the fixed-interest bond market with a guaranteed rate of 6 per cent gross. Minimum investment is pounds 500; maximum is pounds 25,000, but for bigger sums the society pays a return of 5.5 per cent.