Retrospective analysis: Natwest's Asian index basket relies on minimum return feature

Natwest issued a product linked to a basket of Asian indexes before the financial crisis sent them plummeting, but the minimum return feature means investors will still have outperformed a direct investment in the indexes themselves

In June 2007, Natwest launched a five-and-a-half year product linked to the performance of a basket of four Asian indexes. The product was capital protected and offered a minimum return of 15% plus additional returns of 70% of any growth in the index basket above a certain level. It matures on December 28.

The index basket consists of the Hang Seng, Nikkei 225, Kospi 200 and Hang Seng China Enterprises indexes. The Hang Seng and Nikkei 225 both have 30% weightings, while the Kospi 200 and Hang