loose change

Prudential is cutting to 3 per cent the initial management charge on its Prudence Gold PEP, and annual charges from 2 to 1.5 per cent. It will also waive the monthly 2.9 per cent admin charge on regular savings of pounds 100 a month. For details and a free copy of Introduction to PEPs call 0800 000 000.

Hargreaves Lansdown, Bristol-based financial advisers, is launching the Advantage investment trust PEP, which specialises in other investment trusts that are being traded at a discount. For details, write to them at: Kendal House, 4 Brighton Mews off Melrose Avenue, Bristol BS8 2NX.

Invesco, the large fund management company, has launched a free Guide to Understanding PEPs, setting out the best way of selecting them and explaining their risks and costs. Call 0800 010333.

The Association of Investment Trust Companies has a free factsheet on split-capital investment trusts (see page 27). Call 0171 431 5222.

Portman Building Society has launched a one-year fixed interest bond offering 6.3 per cent gross. Minimum investment is pounds 500. Call 0800 663663.

John Charcol, the mortgage broker, is offering a two-year fixed-rate home loan, charging 6.49 per cent. There are no redemption penalties, no mortgage indemnity guarantee premiums and no compulsory insurance. Call 0800 718191.