The government in a blatant election bribe for the over 65 pensioner grey vote has today put on sale the 65+ Guaranteed Growth Bonds issued through the NS&I that pay 2.8% for 1 year and 4% for 3 years (gross). Demand has been heavy all day which means website / application access has been sporadic resulting in server error pages. However there is nothing on the market that comes anywhere near matching the 3 year bonds so do persist as the issue could be fully subscribed within a couple of weeks, thereafter the risk is that the government might not release a second tranche (election bribe).

Election Bribe

As a comparison the best 1 year fixed rates average about 1.8% and the best 3 year fixed rates average about 2.4% gross!. So these bonds are paying 60% premium to the market rate, hence why they are an election bribe. Therefore the £10 billion tranche converts into a potential bribe of at least £500 million as the NS&I usually tends to under pay market rates.

Bond Details

For 65+ only
Invest between £500 to £10k
Interest is taxable.
1 year pays 2.8% gross (2.24%net)
3 year pays 4% gross (3.2% net)
Fixed rate term bonds

As mentioned earlier, if you miss applying for the current £10 billion offering then there is a better than 50% chance that the Government will make an additional tranche available later on as the purpose of these bonds is literally to BUY VOTES, especially as NS&I rates tend to be at the bottom end of the market i.e. the 5 year Issue 102 fixed rate bond carries a rate of 1.6% gross.

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By Nadeem Walayat

http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Nadeem Walayat has over 25 years experience of trading derivatives, portfolio management and analysing the financial markets, including one of few who both anticipated and Beat the 1987 Crash. Nadeem's forward looking analysis focuses on UK inflation, economy, interest rates and housing market. He is the author of five ebook's in the The Inflation Mega-Trend and Stocks Stealth Bull Market series that can be downloaded for Free.

Nadeem is the Editor of The Market Oracle, a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication that presents in-depth analysis from over 1000 experienced analysts on a range of views of the probable direction of the financial markets, thus enabling our readers to arrive at an informed opinion on future market direction. http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any trading losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors before engaging in any trading activities.

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