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If these products simulate the behaviour of analysts and traders, where does the "index" part come in? Surely they are active and not passively tracking an index. The naming seems confusing.

I drove a 1979 Saab for nearly 10 years that had an engine based on an old British Leyland design from the Triumph Dolomite.  It wasn't too bad an engine considering its heritage.  Having driven a BMW for 11 years, I think I would be pleased that Saab are now going to use their engines!

Yes, where was the geographically remote mirror image DR system that should of kicked in?  As a Barclays customer, I think I should be told!  Perhaps there is an opportunity for someone to sell them some consultancy (unless HP is already on the case).

Anybody that contributes to a private pension scheme or company money purchase pension scheme is in effect an "ordinary investor", even if they don't hold shares directly.  Often "ordinary" people who seem to take delight in seeing the markets crash and the "fat cats" squeeling forget that large chunks of UK plc are owned by the pension funds that they are relying on for their old age. 

Dear Gordon had already shown his true colours a few years back when he decided to change the tax regime for dividends paid to pension schemes.  I'm afraid he's still of the old school tax and spend, "I know better than you do how to spend your money" Labour party.

I recently had a very different experience with "Faster Payments".  I used Barclay's Internet Banking on a Saturday afternoon to send money to a chap who banks with HBOS.  I didn't expect the transfer to even begin until the following Monday.  I was somewhat surprised when the other guy emailed me a few hours later to say the money had already arrived in his account!  Faster Payments sometimes really do work, just not when you need them to!

Not heard of banks in the UK trying this cop out.  Interestingly, one of the banks I deal with (Barclays), recently offered customers who use their internet banking service free security software (Kaspersky), so maybe they're planning to use that as a tactic if you haven't taken up the offer.