MORTGAGES

HSBC has launched the lowest ever fixed rate mortgage seen in the UK mortgage market with a 1.49% headline rate product.

The direct-only lender will offer the two-year fixed rate product with a fee of £1,999 for borrowers with a deposit of 60%.

Other products launched by the lender include a 1.69% two-year discount with a £1,499 fee and a 2.19% lifetime tracker with £1,999 fee, both available up to 60% LTV.

Leeds Building Society has reduced the rates on its 2, 3 and 5 year fixed rate mortgages by up to 0.37%. The lender has also added a 2-year ‘Welcome Mortgage’ offering customers the option of paying 0% for the first 3 months, with the remaining payments at a fixed rate.

UTILITIES

O2 is to launch its 4G mobile network on 29 August.

The service – offering higher mobile data speeds than 3G – will initially be available in London, Leeds and Bradford.

INSURANCE

Sainsbury’s Bank has partnered with Allianz Insurance to provide Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance. Products will be available from this autumn.