16 October 2008: Barclays Stockbrokers launches Supertracker offering exposure to FTSE 100 index specifically structured for current market conditions

For those investors seeking to take advantage of the current market valuations, but who are nervous that there will continue to be significant market volatility Barclays Stockbrokers today announces the launch of a new Investment Note; the FTSE 100 Protected Supertracker Investment Note is designed specifically for current market conditions.  The note is a five year growth investment linked to the performance of the FTSE 100, and offers full repayment of capital at maturity.

The FTSE 100 Protected Supertracker Investment Note is structured to allow investors to enhance their returns in the current uncertain markets. Investors will receive four times the growth in the FTSE 100 index over the term of the investment up to a maximum return of 50%. So, a relatively small amount of growth is required to secure an attractive return – for example, if at maturity the FTSE 100 has risen by 12.5% investors will receive a 50% return.

Barbara-Ann King, Head of Proposition at Barclays Stockbrokers, says: “We have consistently seen investors buying into the market over recent weeks, but not everyone has the confidence to take on these volatile conditions through individual stock trading.  Nonetheless, there continues to be a great deal of uncertainty around the markets and there is a general expectation that the FTSE will remain volatile for a period. This note may suit anyone who is questioning whether the markets have bottomed and anticipate that we may be in for a rocky ride over the next few years. The FTSE 100 Protected Supertracker Investment Note has been designed with these investors in mind as it allows then to leverage any market growth to receive up to a 50% return on their investment.”

Investors can put as little as £500 into the Note and, after launch, can trade daily through Barclays Stockbrokers.  The product is available to invest through a MarketMaster, Investment  ISA and SIPP account.

The flexible nature of Investment Notes means that an investor may choose to receive the capital protection offered by holding the Note to maturity or can sell the note before maturity to capitalise on any shorter term gains that materialise. However, if sold before maturity an investor may get back less than they invested.

FTSE 100 Protected Supertracker Investment Note

• Participation: Four times the rise in the index capped at 12.5% up to a maximum return of 50%
• Offer starts: 13/10/2008
• Offer ends*: 31/10/2008
• Investment start date (Initial Index level date): 31/10/2008
• Final Valuation Date: 31/10/2013
• Proceeds available by (Maturity date): 08/11/2013

* Continued availability after this date through Barclays Stockbrokers

For more information on these Investment Notes visit www.stockbrokers.barclays.co.uk/in or call Barclays Stockbrokers Investment Note specialists on 0845 300 9040.

Barclays Stockbrokers also offers the following Investment Notes which are available to trade in the secondary market on the London Stock Exchange:

• Global Financial Services
• Global Property
• Alternative Energy
• Global Infrastructure
• FTSE 100 Capital Protected
• Global Accelerator
• Energy-Linked Capital Protected
• China Supertracker
• EURO STOXX 50 Capital Protected
• Diversified Commodity
• Euro STOXX Top 50 Investment Note
• FTSE 100 Capital Protected Investment Note Issue 3
• FTSE 100 Accelerated Return Investment Note
• Regular Income Investment Note
• Diversified Commodity Investment Note
• China and Agriculture Investment Note

For further information contact:

Caroline Wells / Jignasa Patel
PR, Barclays Wealth
020 7114 7435 / 020 7699 2483

OR

Katie Hayward / Katherine Hobby
Lansons Communications
020 7294 3631 / 020 7566 9704
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