Barclays Wealth has reissued its FTSE Returns Plan, a product it says is aimed at investors seeking “respectable” capital gains without undue risk to their original investment. 

The six-year FTSE Returns Plan offers investors a return of two times the first 22.5 per cent rise in the FTSE 100 Index of blue-chips, up to a maximum of 45 per cent.

As reported elsewhere today by this publication, Morgan Stanley is launching a similar product, as firms look to offer investors exposure to stocks but without the fear of high volatility. Stock markets have been choppy in recent months, amid concerns about the economic outlook and due to events such as the Greek debt crisis.

The investment also has a lock-in feature which will automatically secure 15 per cent of any returns if the FTSE is 15 per cent or more above its starting level after two years, and 30 per cent if the Index is 30 per cent or more above its starting level after four years, Barclays Wealth said in a statement.

Investors’ capital is fully repaid at maturity, irrespective of market performance. However, if investors withdraw from the product before maturity, some of their capital may be lost.