Barclays launches leveraged ETNs

The notes offer long and short leveraged exposure to equity markets and volatility, using indices from S&P, Russell and MSCI. The range enables access to the Russell 1000, Russell 2000, S&P 500, MSCI EAFE and MSCI Emerging Markets indices, as well as the S&P 500 VIX Mid-Term Futures index. Unlike ETFs, these products are notes, meaning investors' capital is subject to the credit risk of the issuer. Barclays Capital head of investor solutions Philippe El-Asmar says the new ETNs offer a tool for investors wishing to tailor the risk/return profile of their global equities portfolio.