CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities Offered |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Amount of Registration Fee(1) | ||
Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A |
$295,000 | $33.81 |
(1) | Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933 |
Pricing supplement dated October 28, 2011 (To the Prospectus dated August 31, 2010, the Prospectus Supplement dated May 27, 2011 and Index Supplement dated May 31, 2011) |
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration No. 333-169119 |
$295,000
AutoCallable Yield Notes due November 1, 2012 Linked to the Least Performing Reference Asset of the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 2000® Index and the United States Oil Fund, LP
Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A, No. E-6976 |
Terms used in this pricing supplement, but not defined herein, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus supplement.
Issuer: | Barclays Bank PLC | |
Initial Valuation Date: | October 28, 2011 | |
Issue Date: | November 2, 2011 | |
Final Valuation Date*: | October 29, 2012 (or if such date is not a Reference Asset Business Day, the next following Reference Asset Business Day) | |
Maturity Date**: | November 1, 2012 (or, if the Final Valuation Date is postponed, the third Business Day following the Final Valuation Date as postponed) | |
Reference Assets: | The S&P 500® Index (the S&P 500 Index) (Bloomberg ticker symbol SPX <Index>), the Russell 2000® Index (the Russell 2000 Index) (Bloomberg ticker symbol RTY <Index>) and the United States Oil Fund, LP (the ETF) (Bloomberg ticker symbol: USO UP <Equity>)
The S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index and the ETF are each referred to in this pricing supplement as a Reference Asset and collectively as the Reference Assets. The S&P 500 Index and the Russell 2000 Index are each referred to in this pricing supplement as an Index and collectively as the Indices. | |
Denominations: | Minimum denomination of $1,000, and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof | |
Interest Rate: | 11.50% | |
Interest Payment Dates: | Monthly, payable in arrears on each of the following days: December 2, 2011, January 3, 2012, February 2, 2012, March 2, 2012, April 2, 2012, May 2, 2012, June 1, 2012, July 2, 2012, August 2, 2012, September 4, 2012, October 2, 2012 and November 1, 2012, the Maturity Date. | |
Day Count Convention: | 30/360 | |
Tax Allocation of the Monthly Payments on the Notes: |
Deposit Income: 8.35% of the amount of the monthly interest payment Put Premium: 91.65% of the amount of the monthly interest payment | |
Automatic Call: | On any Call Valuation Date, if the Closing Value of each Reference Asset on such Call Valuation Date is greater than or equal to its respective Initial Value, the Notes will be automatically called on the applicable Early Redemption Date and you will receive on the Early Redemption Date a cash payment equal to 100% of the principal amount of your Notes together with any accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the relevant scheduled Interest Payment Date immediately following such Call Valuation Date. | |
Call Valuation Dates: | The fourth Reference Asset Business Day immediately preceding each of the following scheduled Interest Payment Dates: February 2, 2012, May 2, 2012 and August 2, 2012; provided, however, that if a Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing with respect to any Reference Asset on a day that otherwise would be a Call Valuation Date (the scheduled date), the relevant Call Valuation Date shall be the first Reference Asset Business Day preceding the scheduled date on which no Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing with respect to any Reference Asset. | |
Reference Asset Business Day: | A day that is both (i) an Index Business Day with respect to both the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 2000 Index, and (ii) a Trading Day with respect to the ETF. | |
Early Redemption Date: | With respect to a Call Valuation Date, the Interest Payment Date immediately following such Call Valuation Date. | |
Business Day Convention: | Following; Unadjusted | |
Business Days: | New York and London | |
Payment at Maturity: | If your Notes are not called pursuant to the Automatic Call provisions prior to maturity, you will receive (subject to our credit risk) on the Maturity Date, in addition to the final interest payment, a cash payment determined as follows:
If a Knock-In Event does not occur, $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount Note;
If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is equal to or greater than 0%, $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount Note;
If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, an amount calculated per $1,000 principal amount Note as follows:
$1,000 + [$1,000 × Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset]
You may lose some or all of your principal if you invest in the Notes. If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, your Notes will be fully exposed to any decline of the Least Performing Reference Asset from its Initial Value on the Initial Valuation Date to its Final Value on the Final Valuation Date. If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset, and the performance of any Reference Asset that is not the Least Performing Reference Asset will not be taken into account for purposes of calculating any payment at maturity under the Notes. Any payment on the Notes, including any payment due at maturity, is subject to the creditworthiness of the Issuer and is not guaranteed by any third party. For a description of risks with respect to the ability of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its obligations as they come due, see Credit of Issuer in this pricing supplement. | |
Knock-In Event: | A Knock-In Event occurs if, as determined by the Calculation Agent, the Closing Value of any Reference Asset is less than the Knock-In Barrier applicable to such Reference Asset on any Index Business Day or Trading Day, as applicable to such Reference Asset, during the Observation Period; provided, however, that, if a Market Disruption Event occurs with respect to a Reference Asset on an Index Business Day or Trading Day, as applicable to such Reference Asset, during the Observation Period, the Closing Value of such Reference Asset on such Index Business Day or Trading Day, as the case may be, will be disregarded for purposes of determining whether a Knock-In Event occurs.
For a description of Market Disruption Events that are applicable to the Indices, please see Reference AssetsIndicesMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Index or Indices of Equity Securities in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
For a description of Market Disruption Events that are applicable to the ETF, please see Reference AssetsExchange-Traded FundsMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of Shares or Other Interests in an Exchange-Traded Fund or Exchange-Traded Funds Comprised of Equity Securities in the accompanying prospectus supplement. | |
Closing Value: | With respect to the S&P 500 Index, for any applicable Index Business Day, the closing value of the S&P 500 Index published at the regular weekday close of trading on that Index Business Day as displayed on Bloomberg Professional® service page SPX <Index> or any successor page on Bloomberg Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable.
With respect to the Russell 2000 Index, for any applicable Index Business Day, the closing value of the Russell 2000 Index published at the regular weekday close of trading on that Index Business Day as displayed on Bloomberg Professional® service page RTY <Index> or any successor page on Bloomberg Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable.
With respect to the ETF, for any Trading Day, the official closing price per share of the ETF on that Trading Day as determined by the Calculation Agent and displayed on Bloomberg Professional® service page USO UP <Equity> or any successor page on Bloomberg Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable.
In certain circumstances, the Closing Value of a Reference Asset will be based on the alternate calculation of the Reference Asset as described in Reference AssetsAdjustments Relating to Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Index or Indices or Reference AssetAdjustments Relating to Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Exchange-Traded Fund or Exchange-Traded Funds, as applicable, in the accompanying prospectus supplement. | |
Knock-In Barrier: | With respect to the S&P 500 Index, 771.05, the Initial Value of the S&P 500 Index multiplied by 60%, rounded to the nearest hundredth.
With respect to the Russell 2000 Index, 456.60, the Initial Value of the Russell 2000 Index multiplied by 60%, rounded to the nearest hundredth.
With respect to the ETF, $21.62, the Initial Value of the ETF multiplied by 60%, rounded to the nearest hundredth. | |
Observation Period: | The period from but excluding the Initial Valuation Date to and including the Final Valuation Date. If the scheduled Final Valuation Date is postponed, the Observation Period will be extended to, and include, the Final Valuation Date as postponed. | |
Index Business Day: | With respect to an Index, a day, as determined by the Calculation Agent, on which each of the relevant exchanges on which each Index component is traded is scheduled to be open for trading and trading is generally conducted on each such relevant exchange. | |
Trading Day: | With respect to the ETF, a day, as determined by the Calculation Agent, on which the primary exchange or market of trading for shares or other interests in the ETF or the shares of any successor fund is scheduled to be open for trading and trading is generally conducted on such market or exchange. | |
Least Performing Reference Asset: |
The Reference Asset with the lowest Reference Asset Return, as calculated in the manner set forth below. | |
Reference Asset Return: | With respect to a Reference Asset, the performance of such Reference Asset from its Initial Value to its Final Value, calculated as follows:
Final Value Initial Value Initial Value | |
Initial Value: | With respect to the S&P 500 Index, 1,285.08, the Closing Value of the S&P 500 Index on the Initial Valuation Date.
With respect to the Russell 2000 Index, 761.00, the Closing Value of the Russell 2000 Index on the Initial Valuation Date.
With respect to the ETF, $36.03, the Closing Value of the ETF on the Initial Valuation Date. | |
Final Value: | With respect to a Reference Asset, the Closing Value of such Reference Asset on the Final Valuation Date. | |
Calculation Agent: | Barclays Bank PLC | |
CUSIP/ISIN: | 06738KYN5 and US06738KYN52 |
* | Subject to postponement in the event of a market disruption event with respect to any Reference Asset, as described, with respect to the Indices, under Reference AssetsIndicesMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Index or Indices of Equity Securities and, with respect to the ETF, under Reference AssetsExchange-Traded FundsMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of Shares or Other Interests in an Exchange-Traded Fund or Exchange-Traded Funds Comprised of Equity Securities in the prospectus supplement. |
** | Subject to postponement in the event of a market disruption event with respect to any Reference Asset and as described under Terms of the NotesMaturity Date, Reference AssetsIndicesMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Index or Indices of Equity Securities and Reference AssetsExchange-Traded FundsMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of Shares or Other Interests in an Exchange-Traded Fund or Exchange-Traded Funds Comprised of Equity Securities in the prospectus supplement. |
Investing in the Notes involves a number of risks. See Risk Factors beginning on page S-6 of the prospectus supplement and Selected Risk Considerations beginning on page PS-6 of this pricing supplement.
The Notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined that this pricing supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We may use this pricing supplement in the initial sale of Notes. In addition, Barclays Capital Inc. or another of our affiliates may use this pricing supplement in market resale transactions in any Notes after their initial sale. Unless we or our agent informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing supplement is being used in a market resale transaction.
The Notes constitute our direct, unconditional, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and are not deposit liabilities of Barclays Bank PLC and are not insured by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, the United Kingdom or any other jurisdiction.
Price to Public |
Agents Commission |
Proceeds to Barclays Bank PLC | ||||
Per Note |
100% | 2.25% | 97.75% | |||
Total |
$295,000 | $6,637.50 | $288,362.50 |
| Barclays Capital Inc. will receive commissions from the Issuer equal to 2.25% of the principal amount of the notes, or $22.50 per $1,000 principal amount, and may retain all or a portion of these commissions or use all or a portion of these commissions to pay selling concessions or fees to other dealers. Accordingly, the percentage and total proceeds to Issuer listed herein is the minimum amount of proceeds that Issuer receives. |
ADDITIONAL TERMS SPECIFIC TO THE NOTES
You should read this pricing supplement together with the prospectus dated August 31, 2010, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated May 27, 2011 and the index supplement dated May 31, 2011 relating to our Global Medium-Term Notes, Series A, of which these Notes are a part. This pricing supplement, together with the documents listed below, contains the terms of the Notes and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth under Risk Factors in the prospectus supplement and the index supplement, as the Notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the Notes.
You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):
| Prospectus dated August 31, 2010: |
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000119312510201448/df3asr.htm
| Prospectus Supplement dated May 27, 2011: |
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000119312511152766/d424b3.htm
| Index Supplement dated May 31, 2011: |
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/312070/000119312511154632/d424b3.htm
Our SEC file number is 1-10257. As used in this pricing supplement, the Company, we, us, or our refers to Barclays Bank PLC.
Hypothetical Payment at Maturity Calculations
The following steps illustrate the hypothetical payment at maturity calculations. The hypothetical payment at maturity calculations set forth below are for illustrative purposes only and may not be the actual payment at maturity applicable to a purchaser of the Notes. The numbers appearing in the following table have been rounded for ease of analysis. Note that the hypothetical payment at maturity calculations set forth below are based on (i) the Initial Value of the S&P 500 Index of 1,285.08, (ii) the Initial Value of the Russell 2000 Index of 761.00, (iii) the Initial Value of the ETF of $36.03, (iv) the Knock-In Barrier with respect to the S&P 500 Index of 771.05 (the Initial Value of the S&P 500 Index multiplied by 60.00%, rounded to the nearest hundredth), (v) the Knock-In Barrier with respect to the Russell 2000 Index of 456.60 (the Initial Value of the Russell 2000 Index multiplied by 60.00%, rounded to the nearest hundredth), (v) the Knock-In Barrier with respect to the ETF of $21.62 (the Initial Value of the ETF multiplied by 60.00%, rounded to the nearest hundredth), (vi) the assumption that no Market Disruption Event occurs with respect to any Reference Asset during the Observation Period, and (vii) the assumption that the Notes are not called prior to maturity pursuant to the Automatic Call provisions as described above. The calculations set forth below do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the Notes.
Step 1: Determine Whether a Knock-In Event Occurs.
A Knock-In Event occurs if, as determined by the Calculation Agent, (i) the Closing Level of the S&P 500 Index on any Index Business Day with respect to the S&P 500 Index during the Observation Period is less than its Knock-In Barrier (i.e., 771.05), (ii) the Closing Level of the Russell 2000 Index on any Index Business Day with respect to the Russell 2000 Index during the Observation Period is less than its Knock-In Barrier (i.e., 456.60) or (iii) the Closing Value of the ETF on any Trading Day during the Observation Period is less than its Knock-In Barrier (i.e., $21.62). If a Knock-In Event occurs, the payment at maturity will depend on whether the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, as described below.
If a Knock-In Event does not occur, you will receive, in addition to the final interest payment, a payment at maturity equal to the principal amount of your Notes.
Step2: Determine the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset.
To determine the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset, the Calculation Agent will first calculate the Reference Asset Return of the S&P 500 Index, the Reference Asset Return of the Russell 2000 Index and the Reference Asset Return of the ETF and then determine which Reference Asset has the lowest Reference Asset Return. The Reference Asset with the lowest Reference Asset Return will be the Least Performing Reference Asset and its Reference Asset Return will be the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset. The Reference Asset Return of a Reference Asset is calculated by the Calculation Agent equal to the performance of such Reference Asset from its Initial Value to its Final Value, calculated as follows:
Final Value Initial Value
Initial Value
PS-2
Step 3: Calculate the Payment at Maturity.
If a Knock-In Event occurs, you will receive a payment at maturity equal to the principal amount of your Notes only if the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset, determined by the Calculation Agent as described above, is equal to or greater than 0%.
If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, you will receive a payment at maturity that is less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount of your Notes, calculated by the Calculation Agent as the sum of the (i) the principal amount of your Notes, plus (ii) the product of (a) the principal amount of your Notes multiplied by (b) the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset. The following table illustrates the hypothetical payments at maturity if a Knock-In Event occurs, assuming a range of performances for the Reference Assets:
S&P 500 Index Final Value |
Russell 2000 Index Final Value |
ETF Final Value ($) |
Reference Asset Return of the S&P 500 Index |
Reference Asset Return of the Russell 2000 Index |
Reference Asset Return of the ETF |
Reference Asset Return of The Least Performing Reference Asset |
Payment at Maturity* (Not including any interest payment) | |||||||
2,570.16 | 1,560.05 | 75.66 | 100.00% | 105.00% | 110.00% | 100.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
2,505.91 | 1,445.90 | 70.26 | 95.00% | 90.00% | 95.00% | 90.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
2,313.14 | 1,407.85 | 66.66 | 80.00% | 85.00% | 85.00% | 80.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
2,248.89 | 1,293.70 | 57.65 | 75.00% | 70.00% | 60.00% | 60.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
2,056.13 | 1,255.65 | 61.25 | 60.00% | 65.00% | 70.00% | 60.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
1,991.87 | 1,141.50 | 57.65 | 55.00% | 50.00% | 60.00% | 50.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
1,799.11 | 1,103.45 | 48.64 | 40.00% | 45.00% | 35.00% | 35.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
1,734.86 | 989.30 | 50.44 | 35.00% | 30.00% | 40.00% | 30.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
1,542.10 | 951.25 | 48.64 | 20.00% | 25.00% | 35.00% | 20.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
1,439.29 | 837.10 | 41.43 | 12.00% | 10.00% | 15.00% | 10.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
1,285.08 | 761.00 | 36.03 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | $1,000.00 | |||||||
1,349.33 | 837.10 | 34.23 | 5.00% | 10.00% | -5.00% | -5.00% | $950.00 | |||||||
1,220.83 | 684.90 | 39.63 | -5.00% | -10.00% | 10.00% | -10.00% | $900.00 | |||||||
1,028.06 | 776.22 | 37.83 | -20.00% | 2.00% | 5.00% | -20.00% | $800.00 | |||||||
1,092.32 | 570.75 | 28.82 | -15.00% | -25.00% | -20.00% | -25.00% | $750.00 | |||||||
899.56 | 608.80 | 27.02 | -30.00% | -20.00% | -25.00% | -30.00% | $700.00 | |||||||
899.56 | 456.60 | 28.82 | -30.00% | -40.00% | -20.00% | -40.00% | $600.00 | |||||||
642.54 | 418.55 | 25.22 | -50.00% | -45.00% | -30.00% | -50.00% | $500.00 | |||||||
514.03 | 380.50 | 14.41 | -60.00% | -50.00% | -60.00% | -60.00% | $400.00 | |||||||
449.78 | 228.30 | 14.41 | -65.00% | -70.00% | -60.00% | -70.00% | $300.00 | |||||||
257.02 | 190.25 | 10.81 | -80.00% | -75.00% | -70.00% | -80.00% | $200.00 | |||||||
192.76 | 76.10 | 7.21 | -85.00% | -90.00% | -80.00% | -90.00% | $100.00 | |||||||
0.00 | 38.05 | 0.00 | -100.00% | -95.00% | -100.00% | -100.00% | $0.00 |
* | per $1,000 principal amount Note |
The following examples illustrate how the payments at maturity set forth in the table above are calculated (assuming that a Knock-In Event occurs):
Example 1: The S&P 500 Index increases from the Initial Value of Initial Value of 1,285.08 to a Final Value of 1,439.29, the Russell 2000 Index increases from the Initial Value of 761.00 to a Final Value of 837.10, and the ETF increases from the Initial Value of $36.03 to a Final Value of $41.43.
Because the Reference Asset Returns of all the Reference Assets are positive, the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is positive and the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount Note.
PS-3
Example 2: The S&P 500 Index increases from the Initial Value of 1,285.08 to a Final Level of 1,349.33, the Russell 2000 Index increases from the Initial Value of 761.00 to a Final Value of 837.10 and the ETF decreases from the Initial Value of $36.03 to a Final Value of $34.23.
Because the Reference Asset Return of the S&P 500 Index and the Reference Asset Return of the Russell 2000 Index are both positive and the Reference Asset Return of the ETF is negative, the ETF is the Least Performing Reference Asset and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is equal to -5.00%. The investor receives a payment at maturity of $950.00 per $1,000 principal amount Note, calculated as follows:
$1,000 + [$1,000 × Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset]
$1,000 + [$1,000 × -5.00%] = $950.00
Example 3: The S&P 500 Index decreases from the Initial Value of 1,285.08 to a Final Value of 899.56, the Russell 2000 Index decreases from the Initial Value of 761.00 to a Final Value of 456.60 and the ETF decreases from the Initial Value of $36.03 to a Final Value of $28.82.
Because the Reference Asset Return of the Russell 2000 Index of -40.00% is lowest, compared with the Reference Asset Return of the S&P 500 Index of -30.00% and the Reference Asset Return of the ETF of -20.00%, the Russell 2000 Index is the Least Performing Reference Asset and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is equal to -40.00%. The investor receives a payment at maturity of $600.00 per $1,000 principal amount Note, calculated as follows:
$1,000 + [$1,000 × Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset]
$1,000 + [$1,000 × -40.00%] = $600.00
Selected Purchase Considerations
| Market Disruption Events and AdjustmentsThe Final Valuation Date, the Observation Period, the Maturity Date and the payment at maturity are subject to adjustment in the event of a Market Disruption Event with respect to any Reference Asset. If the Calculation Agent determines that on the Final Valuation Date, a Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing in respect of any Reference Asset, the Final Valuation Date will be postponed. If such postponement occurs, the Final Values of the Reference Assets shall be determined using the Closing Values of the Reference Assets on the first following Reference Asset Business Day on which no Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing in respect of any Reference Asset. In no event, however, will the Final Valuation Date be postponed by more than five Reference Asset Business Days. If the Calculation Agent determines that a Market Disruption Event occurs or is continuing in respect of any Reference Asset on such fifth day, the Calculation Agent will determine the Final Value of any Reference Asset unaffected by such Market Disruption Event using the Closing Value of such Reference Asset on such fifth day, and will make an estimate of the Closing Value of any Reference Asset affected by such Market Disruption Event that would have prevailed on such fifth day in the absence of such Market Disruption Event. As the Observation Period ends on and includes the Final Valuation Date, if the scheduled Final Valuation Date is postponed, the Observation Period will be extended to, and includes, the Final Valuation Date as postponed. |
| For a description of what constitutes a Market Disruption Event with respect to the Indices, see Reference AssetsIndicesMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Index or Indices of Equity Securities in the prospectus supplement; |
| For a description of what constitutes a Market Disruption Event with respect to the ETF, see Reference AssetsExchange-Traded FundsMarket Disruption Events for Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of Shares or Other Interests in an Exchange-Traded Fund or Exchange-Traded Funds Comprised of Equity Securities in the prospectus supplement; |
| For a description of further adjustments that may affect the Indices, see Reference AssetsIndicesAdjustments Relating to Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Index of the prospectus supplement; and |
| For a description of further adjustments that may affect the ETF, see Reference AssetsExchange-Traded FundsAdjustments Relating to Securities with the Reference Asset Comprised of an Exchange-Traded Fund or Exchange-Traded Funds of the prospectus supplement. |
| Downside Exposure to U.S. Equities of the S&P 500® Index and the Russell 2000® IndexThe payment at maturity, if any, is linked to the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index and the ETF. The Russell 2000 Index is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. For additional information about the Russell 2000 Index, see the information set forth under Non Proprietary IndicesEquity IndicesRussell 2000® Index in the Index Supplement. The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 component stocks selected to provide a performance benchmark for the U.S. equity markets. For additional information about the S&P 500 Index, see the information set forth under Non Proprietary IndicesEquity IndicesS&P 500® Index in the Index Supplement. |
| Downside Exposure to the ETFThe payment at maturity, if any, is linked to the S&P 500 Index, Russell 2000 Index and the ETF. The ETF, a domestic exchange traded securities designed to track the movements of light, sweet crude oil, is a |
PS-4
commodity pool that issues units that may be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca, Inc. The ETF seeks to have the changes in percentage terms of the units net asset value reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the price of certain futures contract for light, sweet crude oil traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange, less the ETFs expenses. For additional information about the ETF, see the information set forth under Description of the United States Oil Fund, LP in this pricing supplement. |
| Material U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsThe material tax consequences of your investment in the Notes are summarized below. The discussion below supplements the discussion under Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Except as noted under Non-U.S. Holders below, this section applies to you only if you are a U.S. holder (as defined in the accompanying prospectus supplement) and you hold your Notes as capital assets for tax purposes and does not apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules or are otherwise excluded from the discussion in the prospectus supplement (for example, if you did not purchase your Notes in the initial issuance of the Notes). In addition, this discussion does not apply to you if you purchase your Notes for more or less than the principal amount of the Notes. |
The United States federal income tax consequences of your investment in the Notes are uncertain and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the Notes should be taxed in a manner that is different than described below. Pursuant to the terms of the Notes, Barclays Bank PLC and you agree, in the absence of a change in law or an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary, to treat your Notes as an investment unit consisting of (i) a fixed rate short-term debt obligation that we issued to you for an amount equal to the principal amount of the Notes (the Deposit) and (ii) a put option in respect of the Reference Assets (the Put Option) which you sold to us in exchange for a portion of the stated interest on the Notes (the Put Premium). On the cover page of this pricing supplement, we have determined the amount of each interest payment that represents interest on the Deposit (this amount is denoted as Deposit Income) and the amount that represents Put Premium (this amount is denoted as Put Premium). The terms of your Notes require you and us to allocate the interest payments as set forth on the cover page, but this allocation is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service. Except as otherwise noted below, the discussion below assumes that your Notes will be treated in the manner described above.
In the opinion of our special tax counsel, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, it would be reasonable to treat your Notes in the manner described above. This opinion assumes that the description of the terms of the Notes in this pricing supplement is materially correct.
NO STATUTORY, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY DIRECTLY DISCUSSES HOW YOUR NOTES SHOULD BE TREATED FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. AS A RESULT, THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES ARE UNCERTAIN. ACCORDINGLY, WE URGE YOU TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE NOTES.
It would generally be reasonable to account for amounts treated as interest on the Deposit as subject to tax as ordinary income at the time you receive or accrue such payments, depending on your method of accounting for tax purposes. The rules governing short-term debt obligations are complex, however, and you should consult your tax advisor in this regard. For a further discussion of the tax considerations applicable to short-term debt obligations, please see the discussion under the heading Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsU.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness for U.S. Federal Income Tax PurposesShort-Term Obligations in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Amounts treated as Put Premium should generally be deferred and accounted for upon the sale, redemption or maturity of the Notes, as discussed below.
The receipt of cash upon the redemption or maturity of your Notes (excluding cash attributable to the final monthly payment on the Notes) would likely be treated as (i) payment in full of the principal amount of the Deposit, which would likely not result in the recognition of gain or loss, and (ii) the lapse (if you receive the principal amount of the Notes) or the cash settlement (if you receive less than the principal amount of the Notes) of the Put Option. Under such characterization, you should generally recognize short-term capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount of Put Premium paid to you over the term of the Notes (including the Put Premium received at redemption or maturity) and (ii) the excess (if any) of (a) the principal amount of your Notes over (b) the amount of cash you receive at redemption or maturity (excluding cash attributable to the final monthly interest payment on the Notes).
Upon a sale of your Notes, you should generally recognize short-term capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of (a) the amount you receive at such time (excluding amounts attributable to accrued or unpaid interest on the Deposit) and (b) any amount of Put Premium previously received and deferred as described above and (ii) the amount you paid for your Notes. Short-term capital gains are generally subject to tax at the marginal tax rates applicable to ordinary income.
PS-5
Alternative Treatments. There are no regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes of instruments with terms that are substantially the same as the Notes, and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the Notes should be taxed differently than in the manner described above. For example, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as a contingent short-term debt obligation. Under a characterization of the Notes as a contingent short-term debt obligation, you may be required to include as ordinary income the entire monthly interest payment on the Notes (and not just the interest on the Deposit). However, no specific rules govern contingent short-term debt obligations, and accordingly you should consult your tax advisor regarding this alternative characterization of the Notes.
It is also possible that the Notes could be treated as a pre-paid income-bearing executory contract in respect of the Reference Assets, in which case you may be required to include as ordinary income the entire monthly interest payment on the Notes (and not just the interest on the Deposit).
For a further discussion of the tax treatment of your Notes as well as other possible alternative characterizations, please see the discussion under the heading Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsCertain Notes Treated as Deposits and Put Options in the accompanying prospectus supplement. You should consult your tax advisor as to the possible alternative treatments in respect of the Notes. For additional, important considerations related to tax risks associated with investing in the Notes, you should also examine the discussion in Selected Risk ConsiderationsTaxes, in this pricing supplement.
Specified Foreign Financial Asset Reporting. Under legislation enacted in 2010, individuals that own specified foreign financial assets (which may include your Notes) with an aggregate value in excess of $50,000 are generally required to file an information report with respect to such assets with their tax returns. Specified foreign financial assets include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following, but only if they are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (i) stocks and securities issued by non-U.S. persons, (ii) financial instruments and contracts held for investment that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties and (iii) interests in foreign entities. The Internal Revenue Service has suspended this filing requirement for tax returns that are filed before it finalizes the form on which to report the relevant information. However, once the Internal Revenue Service finalizes the form, taxpayers that were not required to report in prior years because of the suspension will nevertheless be required to report the relevant information for such prior years on such form. Individuals are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of this legislation to their ownership of the Notes.
Non-U.S. Holders. Barclays currently does not withhold on interest payments to non-U.S. holders in respect of instruments such as the Notes. However, if Barclays determines that there is a material risk that it will be required to withhold on any such payments, Barclays may withhold on any interest payments at a 30% rate, unless you have provided to Barclays an appropriate and valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8. In addition, non-U.S. holders will be subject to the general rules regarding information reporting and backup withholding as described under the heading Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsInformation Reporting and Backup Withholding in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Indices and/or the ETF. These risks are explained in more detail in the Risk Factors section of the prospectus supplement, including the risk factors discussed under the following headings:
| Risk FactorsRisks Relating to All Securities; |
| Risk FactorsAdditional Risks Relating to Securities with Reference Assets That Are Equity Securities or Shares or Other Interests in Exchange-Traded Funds, That Contain Equity Securities or Shares or Other Interests in Exchange-Traded Funds or That Are Based in Part on Equity Securities or Shares or Other Interests in Exchange-Traded Funds; |
| Risk FactorsAdditional Risks Relating to Securities with More Than One Reference Asset, Where the Performance of the Security Is Based on the Performance of Only One Reference Asset; |
| Risk FactorsAdditional Risks Relating to Notes Which Are Not Characterized as Being Fully Principal Protected or Are Characterized as Being Partially Protected or Contingently Protected; and |
| Risk FactorsAdditional Risks Relating to Notes with a Barrier Percentage or a Barrier Level. |
In addition to the risks described above, you should consider the following:
| Your Investment in the Notes May Result in Significant LossThe Notes do not guarantee any return of principal. The payment at maturity depends on whether a Knock-In Event occurs and whether, and the extent to which, the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset falls below 0%. If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, your Notes will be fully exposed to any decline of the Least Performing Reference Asset from its Initial Value on the Initial Valuation Date to its Final Value on the Final Valuation Date and you may lose some or all of your principal. |
PS-6
| Potential Early ExitWhile the original term of the Notes is as indicated on the cover page of this pricing supplement, if on any Call Valuation Date the Closing Value of each Reference Asset is greater than or equal to its respective Initial Value, the Notes will be automatically called on the applicable Early Redemption Date and you will receive on the Early Redemption Date 100% of the principal amount of your Notes together with any accrued but unpaid interest to but excluding the relevant scheduled Interest Payment Date immediately following such Call Valuation Date. You may not be able to reinvest any amounts received on the Early Redemption Date in a comparable investment with similar risk and yield. No more interest will accrue after the relevant Early Redemption Date. The automatic call feature may also adversely impact your ability to sell your Notes and the price at which they may be sold. It may further limit your ability to sell your Notes and realize any market appreciation of the value of your Notes |
| You Will Not Receive More Than the Principal Amount of Your Notes at MaturityAt maturity, you will not receive more than the principal amount of your Notes, even if the Reference Asset Returns of the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index and/or the ETF are greater than 0%. The total payment you receive over the term of the Notes will never exceed the principal amount of your Notes plus the interest payments paid during the term of the Notes. |
| If A Knock-In Event Occurs, Any Payment at Maturity on the Notes is Solely Linked to the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference AssetIf a Knock-In Event occurs, any payment at maturity (other than the final interest payment) due on your Notes will be linked solely to the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset. The payment at maturity, if any, will not reflect the performance of any Reference Asset that is not the Least Performing Reference Asset. For example, if the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, even though any Reference Asset that is not the Least Performing Reference Asset appreciates from its Initial Value on the Initial Valuation Date to its Final Value on the Final Valuation Date, the calculation of the payment at maturity will not take into account such appreciation. Similarly, if each of the Reference Assets has a negative Reference Asset Return, the amount of your investment that you will lose at maturity will be calculated based solely on the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset and will not be limited in any way by virtue of the fact that the Reference Asset Return of any Reference Asset other than the Least Performing Reference Asset was greater than the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset. Accordingly, your investment in the Notes will result in a return that is less, and may be substantially less, than an investment that is linked to the Reference Asset that is not the Least Performing Reference Asset. |
| The Determination of Whether a Knock-In Event Occurs on Any Day is Not Based On Any Values of the Reference Assets Other Than the Closing Values of the Reference Assets on Such DayA Knock-In Event occurs if, as determined by the Calculation Agent, the Closing Value of any Reference Asset is less than the Knock-In Barrier applicable to such Reference Asset on any Index Business Day or Trading Day, as applicable to such Reference Asset, during the Observation Period; The determination of whether a Knock-In Event occurs is therefore not based on any values of the Reference Assets at any time other than the Closing Values of the Reference Assets on any applicable Index Business Day or Trading Day, as applicable, during the Observation Period. For example, if on an applicable day the value of a Reference Asset drops precipitously shortly before the close of business on such day and such drop causes the Closing Value of such Reference Asset to fall below its Knock-In Barrier, assuming that no Market Disruption Event has occurred or existed with respect to such Reference Asset on such day, a Knock-In Event occurs regardless of whether the value of the Reference Asset is greater than or equal to its Knock-In Barrier at any other time during such day. The payment at maturity, if any, that you will receive for your Notes may be significantly less than it would otherwise have been had the determination of whether a Knock-In Event occurs been based on the value of a Reference Asset prior to such drop at a time when the value of such Reference Asset was at or above its Knock-In Barrier. The occurrence of a Knock-In Event may significantly and adversely affect the market value of your Notes, the payment at maturity of the Notes, if any, and your ability to sell your Notes. |
| Credit of IssuerThe Notes are senior unsecured debt obligations of the issuer, Barclays Bank PLC and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. Any payment to be made on the Notes depends on the ability of Barclays Bank PLC to satisfy its obligations as they come due and is not guaranteed by any third party. In the event Barclays Bank PLC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the terms of the Notes. |
| We Are Not Providing Investment Advice or Other Advice in Connection with the Issuance of the NotesNone of Barclays Bank PLC, Barclays PLC, Barclays Capital or their respective affiliates is acting as investment advisor or other advisor in connection with the issuance of the Notes. The issuance of the Notes is not a recommendation by us of the Indices or the ETF. You should reach a decision to invest in the Notes after carefully considering, with your advisors, the information set out in this pricing supplement, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus. |
| No Principal ProtectionIf a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, the payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount of your Notes. If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset is less than 0%, your Notes will be fully exposed to any decline of the Least Performing Reference Asset from its Initial Value to its Final Value and you may lose some or all of your principal. |
| Return Limited to the Monthly Interest PaymentsYour return is limited to the monthly interest payments. You will not participate in any appreciation in the level of the S&P 500 Index, the level of the Russell 2000 Index or the price of the ETF. |
PS-7
| Whether or Not the Notes Will be Called Automatically Prior to Maturity is Not Based on the Level of the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index or the Price of the ETF at any Time Other Than the Closing Level of the S&P 500 Index, the Closing Level of the Russell 2000 Index and the Official Closing Price of the ETF, Respectively, on the Call Valuation DatesWhether or not the Notes will be automatically called prior to maturity pursuant to the Automatic Call provisions described above will not be based on any level or price of the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index or the ETF, respectively, other than the Closing Value of each Reference Asset on the Call Valuation Dates. Therefore, if on a Call Valuation Date the Closing Value of each Reference Asset increases to a level or price, as the case may be, greater than its respective Initial Value, your Notes will be called automatically and you may not be able to reinvest any amounts received on the applicable Early Redemption Date in a comparable investment with similar risk and yield and your ability to sell your Notes and realize any market appreciation of the value of your Notes may be substantially limited. The Notes would not have been called prior to maturity had such automatic call feature been based on the values of the Reference Assets prior to such increase at a time when the value of any Reference Asset was below its Initial Value on the Initial Valuation Date. |
| If a Knock-In Event Occurs, the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset (and the Payment at Maturity) is Not Based on the Level of the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index or the Price of the ETF at Any Time Other than the Closing Value of each Reference Asset on the Final Valuation DateIf a Knock-In Event occurs, the determination of the Reference Asset Return of the Least Performing Reference Asset and therefore the payment at maturity will not be made based on any value of the Reference Assets other than the Final Values of the Reference Assets on the Final Valuation Date (subject to adjustments as described in the prospectus supplement). Therefore, if a Knock-In Event occurs and the Final Value of the Reference Asset that is the Least Performing Reference Asset drops on the Final Valuation Date to a level or price, as the case may be, lower than its Initial Value on the Initial Valuation Date, your Notes will be fully exposed to any decline of the Least Performing Reference Asset from its Initial Value on the Initial Valuation Date to its Final Value on the Final Valuation Date and you may lose some or all of your principal. The payment at maturity, if any, that you will receive for your Notes will be significantly less than it would otherwise have been had such payment been linked to the values of the Reference Assets prior to such drop at a time when the values of the Reference Assets were at or above their respective Initial Values. |
| No Dividend Payments or Voting RightsAs a holder of the Notes, you will not have voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends or other distributions or other rights that holders of the ETF or of securities comprising the S&P 500 Index or the Russell 2000 Index would have. |
| Certain Built-In Costs Are Likely to Adversely Affect the Value of the Notes Prior to MaturityWhile the payment at maturity described in this pricing supplement is based on the full principal amount of your Notes, the original issue price of the Notes includes the agents commission and the cost of hedging our obligations under the Notes through one or more of our affiliates. As a result, the price, if any, at which Barclays Capital Inc. and other affiliates of Barclays Bank PLC will be willing to purchase Notes from you in secondary market transactions will likely be lower than the original issue price, and any sale prior to the maturity date could result in a substantial loss to you. The Notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be able and willing to hold your Notes to maturity. |
| Lack of LiquidityThe Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. Barclays Capital Inc. and other affiliates of Barclays Bank PLC intend to offer to purchase the Notes in the secondary market but are not required to do so. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the Notes easily. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the Notes, the price at which you may be able to trade your Notes is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which Barclays Capital Inc. and other affiliates of Barclays Bank PLC are willing to buy the Notes. |
| Certain Features of Exchange-Traded Funds Will Impact the Value of the NotesThe value of the ETF is subject to: |
| Management risk. This is the risk that the investment strategy for the ETF, the implementation of which is subject to a number of constraints, may not produce the intended results. |
| Derivatives risk. The ETF may invest in futures contracts, commodities futures contracts, commodities and other derivatives. A derivative is a financial contract, the value of which depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset such as commodities. Compared to conventional securities, derivatives can be more sensitive to changes in interest rates or to sudden fluctuations in market prices, and thus the ETFs losses, and, as a consequence, the losses of your Notes, may be greater than if the ETF invested only in conventional securities. |
| The ETF May Underperform its Underlying AssetsThe performance of the ETF may not replicate the performance of, and may underperform, its underlying assets. The ETF will reflect transaction costs and fees that will reduce their relative performances. Moreover, it is also possible that the ETF may not fully replicate or may, in certain circumstances, diverge significantly from the performance of its underling assets; for example, there is the risk that the changes in the price of the ETFs units on the NYSE Arca will not closely track the changes in the spot price of light, sweet crude oil. This could happen if the price of units traded on the NYSE Arca does not correlate closely with ETFs NAV; the changes in ETFs NAV do not closely correlate with the changes in the price of the specified oil futures contract; or the changes in the price of the specified oil futures contract do not closely correlate with the changes in the cash or spot price of light, sweet crude oil. Because the return on your Notes is linked to the performance of the ETF and not its underlying assets, the return on your Notes may be less than that of an alternative investment linked directly to the underlying assets of the ETF. |
| The Performance of the ETF is Generally Linked to the Performance of the Crude Oil Market and Adverse Conditions in the Crude Oil Market May Adversely Affect the Value of Your NotesAs described elsewhere in this pricing supplement, the investment objective of the ETF is to have the changes in the net asset value of its units (NAV) reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the price of certain futures contract for light, sweet crude oil traded on the New York Mercantile |
PS-8
Exchange (NYMEX), less the ETFs expenses. It is not the intent of the ETF to be operated in a fashion such that its NAV will equal, in dollar terms, the spot price of light, sweet crude oil or any particular futures contract based on light, sweet crude oil. The spot price for such a commodity will be influenced by many factors, including, among others, market supply and demand and exploration and production costs, which may be influenced by a variety of complex and interrelated factors. Any adverse developments in the market for crude oil resulting from such factors may have a negative effect on the value of your Notes. |
| Potential ConflictsWe and our affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the Notes, including acting as calculation agent and hedging our obligations under the Notes. In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of ours are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the Notes. |
| TaxesThe U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Notes is uncertain and the Internal Revenue Service could assert that the Notes should be taxed in a manner that is different than described above. As discussed further in the accompanying prospectus supplement, the Internal Revenue Service issued a notice in 2007 indicating that it and the Treasury Department are actively considering whether, among other issues, you should be required to accrue interest over the term of an instrument such as the Notes at a rate that exceeds the portion of the monthly payments treated as interest on the Deposit for U.S. federal income tax purposes and whether all or part of the gain or loss you may recognize upon the sale, redemption or maturity of an instrument such as the Notes could be treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department have current projects open with regard to the tax treatment of pre-paid forward contracts, contingent notional principal contracts and other derivative contracts. While it is impossible to anticipate how any ultimate guidance would affect the tax treatment of instruments such as the Notes (and while any such guidance may be issued on a prospective basis only), such guidance could be applied retroactively and could in any case increase the likelihood that you will be required to accrue income over the term of an instrument such as the Notes at a rate that exceeds the portion of the monthly payments treated as interest on the Deposit for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The outcome of this process is uncertain. You should consult your tax advisor as to the possible alternative treatments in respect of the Notes. |
| Many Economic and Market Factors Will Impact the Value of the NotesIn addition to the level of the S&P 500 Index, the Russell 2000 Index and the price of the ETF on any Index Business Day or any Trading Day, respectively, the value of the Notes will be affected by a number of economic and market factors that may either offset or magnify each other, including: |
| the expected volatility of the Reference Assets; |
| the time to maturity of the Notes; |
| the dividend rate underlying the ETF; |
| the market price and dividend rate on the common stocks underlying the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 2000 Index; |
| interest and yield rates in the market generally; |
| a variety of economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events; |
| supply and demand for the Notes; and |
| our creditworthiness, including actual or anticipated downgrades in our credit ratings. |
Description of the Indices
For information about the S&P 500 Index, please see Non-Proprietary IndicesEquity IndicesS&P 500® Index in the accompanying index supplement.
For information about the Russell 2000 Index, please see Non-Proprietary IndicesEquity IndicesRussell 2000® Index in the accompanying index supplement.
Description of the United States Oil Fund, LP
We urge you to read the following section in the accompanying prospectus supplement: Reference AssetsExchange-Traded FundsReference Asset Investment Company and Reference Asset Information. Companies with securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which is commonly referred to as the Exchange Act, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which is commonly referred to as the 40 Act, are required to periodically file certain financial and other information specified by the SEC. Information provided to or filed with the SEC electronically can be accessed through a website maintained by the SEC. The address of the SECs website is http://www.sec.gov. Information provided to or filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act or the 40 Act by the company issuing the ETF can be located by reference to the ETF SEC file number specified below.
The summary information below regarding the company issuing the ETF comes from the issuers SEC filings and has not been independently verified by us. We do not make any representations as to the accuracy or completeness of such information or of any filings made by the issuer of the ETF with the SEC. You are urged to refer to the SEC filings made by the issuer and to other publicly available information (such as the issuers annual report) to obtain an understanding of the issuers business and financial prospects. The summary information contained below is not designed to be, and should not be interpreted as, an effort to present information regarding the financial prospects of any issuer or any trends, events or other factors that may have a positive or negative influence on those prospects or as an endorsement of any particular issuer.
PS-9
We have derived all information contained in this pricing supplement regarding the ETF, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, from the publicly available information filed by the ETF with the SEC. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by the ETF.
The ETF is an exchange-traded fund. Units of the ETF are listed and trade on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol USO. The ETF is a commodity pool that issues units that may be purchased and sold on the NYSE Arca. The investment objective of the ETF is to have the changes in percentage terms of the units net asset value (NAV) reflect the changes in percentage terms of the spot price of light, sweet crude oil delivered to Cushing, Oklahoma, as measured by the changes in the price of the futures contract on light, sweet crude oil as traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire, less the ETFs expenses. It is not the intent of the ETF to be operated in a fashion such that its NAV will equal, in dollar terms, the spot price of light, sweet crude oil or any particular futures contract based on light, sweet crude oil.
Information provided to or filed with the SEC by the ETF pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 can be located by reference to its CIK#: 0001327068. Additional information regarding the ETF is available at the United States Oil Fund website at http://www.unitedstatesoilfund.com. Information from outside sources is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered part of, this pricing supplement or any accompanying prospectus or prospectus supplement. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in outside sources.
PS-10
Historical Information Regarding the S&P 500® Index
The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the S&P 500® Index based on the daily Index closing levels from January 2, 2004 through October 28, 2011. The closing level of the S&P 500 Index on October 28, 2011 was 1,285.08.
We obtained the S&P 500 Index closing levels below from Bloomberg, L.P. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg, L.P. The historical levels of the S&P 500 Index should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Closing Value of the S&P 500 Index on the Final Valuation Date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the S&P 500 Index will result in the return of any of your initial investment.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
PS-11
Historical Information Regarding the Russell 2000® Index
The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the Russell 2000® Index based on the daily Index closing levels from January 2, 2004 through October 28, 2011. The closing level of the Russell 2000 Index on October 28, 2011 was 761.00.
We obtained the Russell 2000 Index closing levels below from Bloomberg, L.P. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg, L.P. The historical levels of the Russell 2000 Index should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Closing Value of the Russell 2000 Index on the Final Valuation Date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Russell 2000 Index will result in the return of any of your initial investment.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
PS-12
Historical Information Regarding the ETF
The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the ETF based on daily closing prices from April 10, 2006 through October 28, 2011. The closing price per share of the ETF on October 28, 2011 was $36.03.
We obtained the ETF closing prices below from Bloomberg, L.P. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg, L.P. The historical prices of the ETF should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Closing Value of the ETF on the Final Valuation Date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the ETF will result in the return of any of your initial investment.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We have agreed to sell to Barclays Capital Inc. (the Agent), and the Agent has agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of the Notes, and at the price, specified on the cover of this pricing supplement. The Agent is committed to take and pay for all of the Notes, if any are taken.
PS-13
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