US Wrap: S&P 500 sandwiched between alternative choices

Two less traditional alternatives to the S&P 500 index have been released into the US market by Credit Suisse and Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

As well as structuring a note linked to the US equity benchmark, RBC has built a product around the S&P 100, which generally includes the largest and most established companies of the S&P 500. Investors will receive 300% participation in the index up to a cap of 16-20% over one year.

Credit Suisse launched a note linked to the iShares MSCI Eafe Index Fund, which offers exposure to international equity. Index gains are participated in at a rate of 200%, up to a cap of 33% on returns at the