HSBC Bank Malta plc has issued a new version of its Equity Linked Deposit Account (ELDA). The new ELDA offers investors the potential of benefitting from any potential growth in the Dow Jones Eurostoxx 50 Index or in a Composite Index which includes the FTSE 100 and the S&P 500.

At the same time, HSBC’s ELDA offers complete capital protection as well as a guaranteed return, together with half the capital invested, after the first three years of this five-year investment.

HSBC’s new equity linked deposit is denominated in either the Maltese lira or the US dollar. Those choosing to invest in the Maltese lira denominated account will, after three years, receive a one-time interest payment of 16 per cent on half the capital invested together with half the original capital invested.

As part of HSBC’s current Summer Maturities campaign, customers who choose to invest in this new EDLA, using funds from other specific maturing HSBC investments, will receive a 17 per cent interest payment. After five years, the remaining balance on the Maltese lira denominated ELDA will be paid back, together with a rate of return which will reflect a 35 per cent participation in any growth in the Dow Jones Eurostoxx 50 Index.

Investors who opt for the US dollar denominated ELDA will receive a 15 per cent interest payment on half the capital invested after three years. At the end of the five-year term, investors will also receive a return which will reflect a 50 per cent participation in a Composite Index made up of equal parts of the FTSE 100 share index and the S&P 500 share index on the remaining balance.

“HSBC’s Equity Linked Deposit Account was created specifically to meet the local demands of Maltese investors who wish to participate in some of the world’s leading stock markets but who are also cautious and do not want to risk their capital. With ELDA, HSBC has matched the expectations of these investors and, in the current low interest rate scenario, will continue to offer opportunities to customers wishing to see a better return on their money,” said HSBC head of marketing and communications Godfrey Swain.

The new issue of HSBC’s Equity Linked Deposit Account is available until 16 July 2005. Further details can be obtained from any HSBC branch in Malta and Gozo or by calling HSBC Customer Service on 2380-2380.