By: Derek Lim

I wasn't aware of this investment product until my colleague mention that her mother was introduced to a certain wonderful product by Standard Chartered that offered her guaranteed returns. Even my mom came to know about this because someone introduced it to her in the office but it was from Citibank. I was skeptical and suspected both to be the same product but I was confused as it was offered by different banks. It was not until I read the the full details of this product in today's papers and when my financial agent email to me that it confirmed my suspicion. Jubilee Series 8 Notes - Fixed Coupons of 3.15% p.a. for 2.5 years may seem attractive but here's 4 things you need to know. 1) Jubilee Series 8 Notes is not a Fix Deposit. 2) Fix payout does not mean guaranteed payout. 3) 100% principle protected is not the same as 100% guaranteed. (Click here to know more about principle guaranteed and principle protected.) 4) This is offered by Merrill Lynch and Merrill Lynch had one of the largest CDOs writedown during the sub-prime crisis. To summarize, this is not exactly a risk-free product product. Read the fine prints carefully and understand the risk before you invest. Do not be pressured into buying it just because you have 2 days left. Update 26 June 2008 A fellow blogger has done a more in-depth analysis on this product. Read about it here.