National Bank variable-return GICs... to make sure you don't lose your shirt

As stock markets are currently in a bearish mood, consumers are looking for investment vehicles where their savings will be safe. With their guaranteed principal, the variable-return guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) offered by the National Bank are the ideal choice for these turbulent times.

"In such uncertain market conditions, it's very difficult to make investment decisions. Investors are always looking for the best possible return. However, not everyone has the same tolerance for risk, so guaranteed investments are attracting renewed interest," explained Jean Blouin, Vice-President, Product Management, at the National Bank. In addition to the guaranteed principal, the National Bank family of variable-return GICs (which also includes the Active Management GIC, Multifund GIC and S&P/TSX GIC) offer a better potential return than traditional GICs and allow for healthy portfolio diversification. "It's a good opportunity for consumers to experiment with different markets without risking their initial investment," Mr. Blouin added.

It is in this economic environment that the National Bank is today launching an extensive advertising campaign with the theme Don't lose your shirt. "This campaign is aimed at promoting our family of variable-return GICs which, given current market conditions, are the perfect investment solutions for consumers," stated Johanne Denneny, Marketing Manager at the National Bank. The new campaign will run from September through mid-November 2002 in the various media as well as on the Internet.

Variable-return GICs are intended for savings-oriented consumers with a conservative investor profile and a long-term investment horizon (3 to 5 years) who want to guarantee their principal while benefiting from a better return than that on traditional GICs. Even though stock markets are currently losing ground, the National Bank variable-return GICs are more than holding their own. For example, for the period from December 15, 2000 to August 30, 2002, the S&P 500 had a return of -34.1% and the S&P/TSX, a return of -27.5%, whereas the National Bank's Active Management GIC, issued at the same time, is currently showing a return of +5.7%.

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