In July we were able to reflect on a vastly successfully period for the structured products sector, with Q2 2021’s maturity results improving on those enjoyed in Q1, which had been the best performing period since the beginning of the pandemic. In our ‘Q2 2021 Maturity Results’ we had reported that of the 135 maturing products, 85.92% (116 plans) realised a gain for investors’, 11.11% (15 plans) returning capital in full without gain, and just 2.96% resulted in a capital loss.

However, it has since been brought to our attention that one of the plans we had listed as being loss making, actually, thankfully, realised a gain. As such, 86.67% of Q2 maturing plans realised a gain and just 2.22% (3) plans resulted in a capital loss, thereby improving on an already successful quarter.

Updated Q2 2021 amended maturity results. Source: StructuredProductReview.com

Having been updated, Q2’s maturing plans generated a now improved average annualised return of 6.23% over an average term of 3.34 years.

The plan that we had incorrectly identified as being a loss-making product was the SIP Nordic FTSE 4 Accumulator Kick Out Plan May 2015.

This ‘worst-of’ capital-at-risk plan, linked to the performance of four FTSE 100 shares (BP, HSBC, Anglo American and Vodafone), struck in May 2015 and had the opportunity to mature early on any anniversary provided that all four shares closed above their respective initial level. However, adverse share performance throughout the term meant that the plan ran the full six years, until its Final Index Date on 28th May 2021.

On maturity, the worst performing share (Vodafone) closed 49.76% below the initial level recorded on 29th May 2015, which resulted in just 50.24% of investors’ original capital being returned. However, typical of the zeitgeist pre-regulator intervention in 2015, this plan was somewhat convoluted and incorporated a nuance that in this instance benefitted investors favourably.

When preparing our initial Q2 2021 report, we had overlooked the fact that SIP Nordic FTSE 4 Accumulator Kick Out Plan May 2015 included a ‘lock-in’ feature that meant a 6% gain, payable on maturity, was secured for each underlying share that closed above its initial level on any anniversary. Resultantly, investors’ 49.76% capital loss was offset by a locked in gain of 66%; the plan matured returning a total gain of 16.24%, or an annualised return of 2.54% over the 6-year term.

We have retrospectively updated the Q2 2021 Maturity Results to reflect this performance update. To read the updated report, please click here. Ultimately this correction has improved on an already impressive Q2 performance for the sector.

To find out more, or to set up a no obligation consultation with one of our highly qualified Lowes Consultants, please feel free to call us on 0191 281 8811 or email us at Contact@Lowes.co.uk. 

Structured investments put capital-at-risk. 

Past performance is not a guide to future performance.