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Barclays Wealth has just launched their latest investment product, offering protected returns of up to 60% after six years ,with the opportunity to lock-in gains for certain rises in the FTSE 100

The UK Accumulator product offered by Barclays is aimed at achieving more 'investment certainty in volatile markets'. The product also aims to keep invested capital safe in falling markets with lock-in protection.

Lisa Chaudhury, Barclays Wealth manager states that the plan allows the investor to achieve very attractive returns whilst reducing the downside of risk."The UK Accumulator locks-in gains for given rises in the FTSE 100 while keeping investors exposed to the further potential upside, giving them more certainty and less timing risk than available though other investments".

The investment plans main feature is that you are able to lock-in gains which helps to protect your initial investments and eliminates risk. The UK Accumulator plan offers a maximum of 60 per cent lock in returns, with the gains being locked-in for every 15% rise during the plans six-year duration

For example, the FTSE100 index close today (21st December 2009) at 5,293.99, if the index was to rise 15% to 6086, the UK Accumulator would protect and lock in that return. Barclays Wealth will lock in returns to a maximum of 60 per cent. In addition to this the initial investment becomes 100% capital protected as soon the lock-in level of 115% is reached.

However, the investment is at risk if a) the first lock-in level of 115% is not reached and b) the FTSE 100 index falls by more than 50% from its starting level and remains at that level at maturity. If this happens, capital repayment will be reduced by the percentage by which the index has dropped.

The Barclays Wealth 'UK Accumulator' has a minimum six-year investment term and is open for investment until 29th January 2010. The minimum amount you can invest is £3,600. The investment product is available for ISA investment, small self-administered schemes (SSAS) and self invested personal pension (SIPP) plans. The 'UK Accumulator' is only available through a qualified financial adviser who are entitled to 3% commission on the total amount invested.