Briefly

COMMERCIAL UNION and Bank of Ireland Mortgages are offering a 3.5 per cent mortgage discount via investment advisers who can tailor the package between initial discounts, cashbacks, insurance rebates and fee reductions to suit individual requirements

Disappointed investors in the National Power and PowerGen float who were left with holdings too small to be cost-effective are being offered a cheap swap into any of Fleming Investment Trust Management's 18 trusts, for £7.50 plus a 1 per cent transaction charge on purchases.

Commercial Union is cutting insurance premiums for cars, buildings and contents, with special deals for homeowners over 45, larger cars and car security systems. A 5 per cent discount applies to people with both car and home and contents policies.

Specialist household insurance broker CGA Direct has launched a range of age-related discounts of up to 15 per cent to policy-holders over 40. They can be reached on 0800 525 200.

Royal Bank of Scotland has a Guaranteed Equity Plan that promises at least a 30 per cent return, free of capital gains and basic income tax over six years. Maximum gain is 100 per cent; minimum investment is £5,000.

Abbey Life is offering a Guaranteed Capital Bond with a minimum 45 per cent growth over 5.5 years, plus half the extra growth if the Footsie index does better than the guarantee.