Investment Focus: up to 11.62% per year for up to 10 years
Potential for up to 11.62% each year for up to 10 years…
Depending on which of the three investment options is selected, the latest issue of this popular plan from Mariana offers investors the potential for a growth return of either 6.27%, 8.72% or 11.62% per year, all dependent on the performance of the FTSE 100 Index. In addition, the plan offers the ability to mature early or ‘kick out’ each year from the end of year three onwards and is the first plan of its kind to extend the maximum term to 10 years, hence the plan name. With the potential for such high headline returns from a plan based on the FTSE only, we take a closer look at how this investment works in order to better understand the risk versus reward.
Three options
As it approaches its second anniversary since launch, the current issue of the 10:10 Plan offers the potential for double digit growth on your capital depending on the performance of the FTSE 100 Index. Investors have three options, the difference between them being the level the Index has to reach in order for the plan to make a growth payment (along with a return of your original investment).
The potential for high returns
For those targeting the higher return of 11.62% each year (not compounded), the FTSE must end the plan year at least 10% higher than its value at the start of the investment. The other two options offer 8.72% provided the FTSE is at or above its starting level, and a more defensive option offering 6.27% provided the FTSE has not fallen by more than 10%. The return is not compounded, but will be paid to you for each year the investment has been in place. If the plan does produce an investment return, your initial capital is also returned to you in full along with the growth payment.
Capital at risk
If the plan does not kick out at all, the return of your initial capital is also dependent on the FTSE 100 Index with your capital put at risk if the Index at the end of the investment term is more than 30% lower than its value at the start of the plan. If it is, your initial investment will be reduced by 1% for each 1% fall, so you could lose some or all of your capital.
Kick out investment
The term ‘kick out’ refers to the ability of the investment plan to mature early depending on the movement of the FTSE 100 Index. The 10:10 Plan has the potential to mature at the end of each plan year from year three onwards, provided the value of the Index meets one of the required levels, depending on which option you invest in.
The FTSE 100 Index
Plans linked to the FTSE 100 Index provide a potential return against what is widely recognised as the proxy benchmark for most investors and investment managers in the UK. Since the historical volatility of this stock market is familiar to many investors, they are in a better position to consider the pros and cons of the plan within the context of the underlying investment.
Investment term
The plan broke new ground when it launched in 2015 in that the maximum term is set at 10 years rather than the more common five or six years of most structured investment plans. This could be seen as an advantage over plans with a shorter term, for those investors who would prefer to stay invested should we experience a market downturn in anticipation of markets recovering.
Although the plan can be encashed prior to the end of the term, the proceeds you receive will depend on a number of market factors and could mean that you may receive less than your initial investment. Since the investment is designed to be held for the full term it should only be considered by those who are able to invest their capital for up to ten years.
Some capital protection from a falling market
Should the plan provide a growth payment then this is made to the investor along with a full return of your initial investment. However, if the plan runs the full 10 years and fails to provide any growth, the return of your initial capital is conditional on the FTSE 100 Index not falling by more than 30% below its value at the start of the investment. This is known as conditional capital protection and is measured at the end of the investment term only.
Provided the Index has not fallen below this level, you will receive a return of your initial capital, but if it has, your initial investment will be reduced by 1% for every 1% fall in the FTSE, so you could lose some or all of your capital. In this situation you would lose at least 30% of your initial capital.
Counterparty
Unlike an investment fund, this plan uses your investment to purchase securities issued by Natixis, part of the second largest banking group in France, and so their ability to be able to meet their financial obligations become an important consideration. This is known as counterparty risk (or credit risk) and means that in the event of Natixis going into liquidation, you could lose some or all of your initial investment as well as the payment of any growth return. In this event you would not be entitled to compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (the ‘FSCS’).
Credit ratings and agencies
One accepted method of determining the credit worthiness of a counterparty is to look at credit ratings issued and regularly reviewed by independent companies known as ratings agencies. Standard and Poor’s is a leading credit ratings agency and as at 22nd May 2017, Natixis has been attributed an ‘A‘ rating with a stable outlook. The ‘A’ rating denotes a strong capacity to meet its financial commitments but could be more susceptible to adverse economic conditions than companies in higher-rated categories. The stable outlook indicates that the rating is unlikely to change in the short to medium term (between 6 months to 2 years).
ISA friendly
We expect this investment to be popular with both non-ISA and ISA investors. The plan is available as a new ISA up to the current limit of £20,000 and also accepts transfers from both Cash ISAs and Stocks & Shares ISAs.
Minimum investment
The minimum investment is £10,000 and investors can also split their investment across any of the three options on offer provided the total invested meets this minimum level.
Fair Investment conclusion
Oliver Roylance-Smith, head of savings and investments at Fair Investment Company, commented on the plan: “This plan offers some of the highest headline returns from a kick out investment linked to the performance of the FTSE 100 Index, although the 30% capital at risk barrier is low compared to most other plans. The three options on offer cater for a wide range of investor views as to what might happen to the FTSE in the coming years whilst the 10 year maximum term also offers some reassurance to investors who consider a downturn could affect a return on their investment.”
The plan is open now for new ISA investments (maximum £20,000), ISA transfers and non-ISA investments.
Click here for more information about the Mariana 10:10 Plan »
No news, feature article or comment should be seen as a personal recommendation to invest. Prior to making any decision to invest, you should ensure that you are familiar with the risks associated with a particular investment. If you are at all unsure of the suitability of a particular investment, both in respect of its objectives and its risk profile, you should seek independent financial advice.
Tax treatment of ISAs depends on your individual circumstances and is based on current law which may be subject to change in the future. Always remember to check whether any charges apply before transferring or switching an ISA.
This is a structured investment plan that is not capital protected and is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for default alone. There is a risk of losing some or all of your initial investment. There is a risk that the company backing the plan or any company associated with the plan may be unable to repay your initial investment and any returns stated. In addition, you may not get back the full amount of your initial investment if the plan is not held for the full term. The past performance of the FTSE 100 Index is not a guide to its future performance.
Tags