Unassociated Document

SUMMARY

General Terms

This free writing prospectus relates to one note offering linked to the reference asset identified on the cover page. The purchaser of a note will acquire a security linked to a single reference asset. We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify any offering and to reject orders in whole or in part. Although the offering of notes relates to the reference asset identified on the cover page, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the reference asset or any component security included in the reference asset or as to the suitability of an investment in the notes.

You should read this document together with the prospectus dated April 5, 2006, the prospectus supplement dated October 12, 2007, and the prospectus addendum of December 12, 2007. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-5 of this free writing prospectus and page S-3 of the prospectus supplement, as the notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before you invest in the notes. As used herein, references to “HSBC”, “we,” “us” and “our” are to HSBC USA Inc.

HSBC USA Inc. has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus addendum) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the offering to which this free writing prospectus relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and prospectus supplement in that registration statement and other documents HSBC USA Inc. has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC USA Inc. and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, HSBC USA Inc. or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus addendum and prospectus supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1 888 800 4722.

You may also obtain:

•

the prospectus supplement at www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420407053900/v090138_424b2.htm

•

the prospectus at www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000110465906022455/a05-22289_1s3asr.htm

•

the prospectus addendum at www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420407067025/v096997_424b2.htm

We are using this free writing prospectus to solicit from you an offer to purchase the notes. You may revoke your offer to purchase the notes at any time prior to the time at which we accept your offer by notifying HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the notes prior to their issuance. In the event of any material changes to the terms of the notes, we will notify you.

Payment at Maturity

On the maturity date, for each note, we will pay you the cash settlement value, which is an amount in cash based on the final return, as described below:

If the final return is greater than 0.00%, you will receive an amount equal to the principal amount plus the lesser of:

(i) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the final return multiplied by the upsideparticipation rate; and

(ii) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the maximum cap;

If the final return is between 0.00% and -20.00%, inclusive, you will receive the principal amount; and

If the final return is less than -20.00%, you will lose 1.00% of the principal amount for each percentage point that the final return is below -20.00%. For example, if the final return is -30.00%, you will suffer a 10.00% loss and receive 90.00% of the principal amount.

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Interest

The notes will not bear interest.

Expenses

We estimate that we will spend approximately $[5,000] for printing, trustee and legal fees and other expenses allocable to the offerings for each offering of notes.

Market Disruption Event

If the final valuation date is not a scheduled trading day, then the final valuation date will be the next scheduled trading day. If a market disruption event (as defined below) exists on the final valuation date, then the final valuation date will be the next scheduled trading day for which there is no market disruption event. If a market disruption event with respect to the final valuation date exists on five consecutive scheduled trading days, then that fifth scheduled trading day will be the final valuation date, and the calculation agent will determine the ending value on that date in accordance with the formula for and method of calculating the reference asset last in effect prior to the occurrence of that market disruption event, using the relevant exchange traded or quoted price of each component security comprised in the reference asset (or if an event giving rise to a market disruption event has occurred with respect to a component security in the reference asset on that fifth scheduled trading day, its good faith estimate of the value for that component security). If the final valuation date is postponed, then the maturity date will also be postponed until the third business day following the postponed final valuation date and no interest will be paid in respect of such postponement.

“Market disruption event” means any scheduled trading day on which any relevant exchange or related exchange fails to open for trading during its regular trading session or on which any of the following events has occurred and is continuing which the calculation agent determines is material:

(i) Any suspension of or limitation imposed on trading by any relevant exchanges or related exchanges or otherwise, (A) relating to any component security included in the reference asset or (B) in futures or options contracts relating to the reference asset on any related exchange; or

(ii) Any event (other than any event described in (iii) below) that disrupts or impairs the ability of market participants in general (A) to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for any component security included in the reference asset or (B) to effect transactions in, or obtain market values for, futures or options contracts relating to the reference asset on any relevant related exchange; or

(iii) The closure on any scheduled trading day of any relevant exchange or related exchange prior to its scheduled closing time (unless the earlier closing time is announced by the relevant exchange or related exchange at least one hour prior to the earlier of (i) the actual closing time for the regular trading session on the exchange and (ii) the submission deadline for orders to be entered into the relevant exchange or related exchange for execution at the close of trading on that day).

“Related exchange” means each exchange or quotation system or any successor or temporary substitute for such exchange or quotation system (provided the calculation agent has determined, for a substitute exchange or quotation system, that liquidity on such substitute is comparable to liquidity on the original related exchange) where trading has a material effect (as determined by the calculation agent) on the overall market for futures or options contracts relating to the reference asset.

“Relevant exchange” means the primary exchange or quotation system for any security then included in the reference asset.

“Scheduled closing time” means the scheduled weekday closing time of the relevant exchange or related exchange, without regard to after hours or any other trading outside of the regular trading session hours.

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“Scheduled trading day” means any day on which all of the relevant exchanges and related exchanges are scheduled to be open for trading for their respective regular trading sessions.

Calculation Agent

We or one of our affiliates will act as calculation agent with respect to the notes.

INVESTOR SUITABILITY

The notes may be suitable for you if:

¨ You believe the level of the reference asset will increase moderately—meaning that you believe the level of the reference asset will increase over the term of the notes, but do not believe such increase is likely to exceed the maximum cap.

¨ You are willing to make an investment that is exposed to downside performance of the reference asset on a 1 to 1 basis for each percentage point that the final return is below -20.00%.

¨ You are willing to invest in the notes given that the return on the notes (as magnified by the upside participation rate) is subject to the maximum cap.

¨ You are willing to forego dividends paid on the stocks included in the reference asset.

¨ You do not seek current income from this investment.

¨ You do not seek an investment for which there is an active secondary market.

¨ You are willing to hold the notes to maturity.

The notes may not be suitable for you if:

¨ You believe the level of the reference asset will decrease over the term of the notes, or you believe the product of the final return of the reference asset multiplied by the upside participation rate will be greater than the maximum cap.

¨ You are unwilling to make an investment that is exposed to downside performance of the reference asset on a 1 to 1 basis for each percentage point that the final return is below -20.00%.

¨ You seek an investment that is exposed to the full potential appreciation of the reference asset, without a cap on participation.

¨ You prefer to receive the dividends paid on any stocks included in the reference asset.

¨ You seek current income from this investment.

¨ You are unable or unwilling to hold the notes to maturity.

¨ You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.

¨ You seek an investment that is 100% principal protected.

¨ You prefer the lower risk, and therefore accept the potentially lower returns, of fixed income investments with comparable maturities issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.

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RISK FACTORS

We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” on page S-3 in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Investing in the notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the reference asset or the securities comprising the reference asset. You should understand the risks of investing in the notes and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisers, of the suitability of the notes in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in this free writing prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus.

As you review “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement, you should pay particular attention to the following sections:

“— Risks Relating to All Note Issuances”; and

“— Additional Risks Relating to Notes with an Equity Security or Equity Index as the Reference Asset.”

You will be subject to significant risks not associated with conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt securities.

The Notes are Not Fully Principal Protected and You May Lose Up to 80% of Your Initial Investment.

The notes are not fully principal protected. The notes differ from ordinary debt securities in that we will not pay you 100% of the principal amount of your notes if the final return of the reference asset is below -20.00%. In that event, you will lose 1.00% of the principal amount for each percentage point that the final return is below -20.00%. Accordingly, you may lose up to 80.00% of your initial investment in the notes.

Your Gain on the Notes at Maturity, if any, May Not Reflect the Full Performance of the Reference Asset.

Your payment at maturity per note will not be greater than the amount equal to the principal amount plus the product of (i) the principal amount and (ii) the maximum cap. This means that the maximum possible return for each note is the maximum cap. Therefore, you may not have the benefit of full exposure to the positive performance of the reference asset if the product of the final return multiplied by the upside participation rate is greater than the maximum cap.

The Notes will not be Listed on any Securities Exchange or Quotation System.

We intend to offer to purchase the notes in the secondary market but are not required to do so. 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 we are willing to buy the notes.

The Notes will not Bear Interest.

As a holder of the notes, you will not receive interest payments.

Changes that Affect the Reference Asset Will Affect the Market Value of the Notes and the Amount You Will Receive at Maturity.

The policies of the publisher, sponsor or compiling authority for the reference asset (the “reference sponsor”) concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the constituents included in the reference asset and the manner in which the reference sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those constituents included in the reference asset may affect the value of the reference asset. The policies of the reference sponsor with respect to the calculation of the reference asset could also affect the value of the reference asset. The reference sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the reference asset. Any such actions could affect the value of the notes.

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Please read and pay particular attention to the section “Additional Risks Relating to Notes with an Equity Security or Equity Index as the Reference Asset” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Uncertain Tax Treatment.

There is no direct legal authority as to the proper tax treatment of the notes, and therefore significant aspects of the tax treatment of the notes are uncertain, as to both the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of the notes. Under one approach, the notes should be treated as pre-paid forward or other executory contracts with respect to the reference asset. We intend to treat the notes consistent with this approach. Pursuant to the terms of the notes, you agree to treat the notes under this approach for all U.S. federal income tax purposes, and in the opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, special U.S. tax counsel to us, it is reasonable to treat the notes in accordance with this approach. Pursuant to this approach, we do not intend to report any income or gain with respect to the securities prior to their maturity or an earlier sale or exchange and we intend to treat any gain or loss upon maturity or an earlier sale or exchange as long-term capital gain or loss, provided that the U.S. holder has held the note for more than one year at such time for federal income tax purposes. See “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Certain Equity-Linked Notes — Certain Notes Treated as Forward Contracts or Executory Contracts” in the prospectus supplement for certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to notes that are treated as pre-paid cash-settled forward or other executory contracts.

Certain of the entities included in the reference asset could be treated as “real estate investment trusts” (“REITs”), partnerships, trusts, or “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or otherwise as “pass-thru entities” for purposes of section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), in which case it is possible that the note will be subject to the “constructive ownership” rules of section 1260 of the Code. If so, the portion of any gain that relates to a pass-thru entity that would otherwise be treated as long-term capital gain recognized on the sale, exchange, maturity, or other taxable disposition of the notes could be treated as ordinary income and subject to an interest charge.

Because of the uncertainty regarding the tax treatment of the notes, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of your investment in a note. For a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a note, please see the discussion under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are hypothetical. They do not purport to be representative of every possible scenario concerning increases or decreases in the value of the reference asset relative to its starting value. We cannot predict the ending value of the reference asset on the final valuation date. The assumptions we have made in connection with the illustrations set forth below may not reflect actual events, and the hypothetical starting value used in the illustrations below is not the actual starting value of the reference asset. You should not take these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the reference asset. With respect to the notes, the cash settlement value may be less than the amount that you would have received from a conventional debt security with the same stated maturity, including those issued by HSBC. The numbers appearing in the examples below have been rounded for ease of analysis.

The following examples indicate how the cash settlement value would be calculated with respect to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the notes. These examples assume the notes are held to maturity, a starting value of 9,000.00, a maximum cap of 22.00%, an upside participation rate of 200% and that if the final return is below -20.00%, investors will lose 1.00% of the principal amount of their notes for each percentage point that the final return is below -20.00%.

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Example 1: The final return is positive over the term of the notes, and the product of the final return multiplied by the upside participation rate is greater than the maximum cap.

	Reference Asset
Starting Value	9,000.00
Ending Value	10,800.00
Final Return	20.00%
Final Return x Upside Participation Rate:	40.00%
Maximum Cap:	22.00%
Cash Settlement Value:	$1,220.00

Here, the final return is 10.00%.

Because the final return is greater than 0.00%, the cash settlement value equals the principal amount of the note plus the lesser of (1) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the final return multiplied by the upside participation rate and (2) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the maximum cap. Accordingly, at maturity, the cash settlement value in this example would equal $1,000.00 plus (a) $1,000.00 multiplied by (b) 22.00%. Therefore, the notes would pay $1,220.00 at maturity.

Example 1 shows that you are assured the return of your principal investment when the ending value is greater than the starting value for the reference asset. Example 1 also illustrates that if the product of the final return multiplied by the upside participation rate exceeds the stated maximum cap, your return on the notes will be limited to the stated maximum cap.

Example 2: The final return is positive over the term of the notes, and the product of the final return multiplied by the upside participation rate is less than the maximum cap.

	Reference Asset
Starting Value	9,000.00
Ending Value	9,450.00
Final Return	5.00%
Final Return x Upside Participation Rate:	10.00%
Maximum Cap:	22.00%
Cash Settlement Value:	$1,100.00

Here, the final return is 5.00%.

Because the final return is greater than 0.00%, the cash settlement value equals the principal amount of the notes plus the lessor of (1) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the final return multiplied by the upside participation rate and (2) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the maximum cap. Accordingly, at maturity, the cash settlement value in this example would equal $1,000 plus (a) $1,000 multiplied by (b) 5.00% multiplied by 200.00%. Therefore, the notes would pay $1,100.00 at maturity.

Example 2 illustrates how a positive final return is magnified by the leverage provided by the upside participation rate until the maximum cap is reached.

Example 3: The final return is moderately negative over the term of the notes.

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	Reference Asset
Starting Value	9,000.00
Ending Value	8,100.00
Final Return:	-10.00%
Cash Settlement Value:	$1,000.00

Here, the final return is -10.00%.

Because the final return is between 0.00% and -20.00%, inclusive, you will receive a cash settlement value equal to the principal amount of the notes. Accordingly, the cash settlement value in this example would equal $1,000.

Example 3 shows that you are assured the return of your principal investment where the level of the reference asset declines by no more than 20.00% over the term of the notes. Nonetheless, the receipt of only the principal amount at maturity may be less than the rate that you would have received from a conventional debt security.

Example 4: The final return is significantly negative over the term of the notes.

	Reference Asset
Starting Value	9,000.00
Ending Value	5,400.00
Final Return:	-40.00%
Cash Settlement Value:	$800.00

Here, the final return is -40.00%.

Because the final return is less than -20.00%, you would lose 1.00% of the principal amount of your notes for each percentage point that the final return is below -20.00%. Accordingly, at maturity, the cash settlement value would be equal to $800.00, and you would suffer a loss of 20.00% of your principal amount.

Example 4 shows that you may lose up to 80.00% of the principal amount of your notes if the final return is less than -20.00%.

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Sensitivity Analysis - Hypothetical payment at maturity for each $10,000 principal amount of notes.

The table below illustrates the payment at maturity (including, where relevant, the payment in respect of the final return) on a $10,000 investment in notes for a hypothetical range of performance for the final return from -100% to +100%. The following results are based solely on the assumptions outlined below. You should consider carefully whether the notes are suitable to your investment goals. The numbers appearing in the table below have been rounded for ease of analysis. You should not take the below illustration as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the reference asset or return of the notes.

Assumptions:

·	Principal Amount:	$10,000
·	Upside Participation Rate:	200.00%
·	Maximum Cap	22.00%

Final Return	Upside Participation Rate	Return on the Notes (%)	Payment at Maturity
100.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
90.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
80.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
70.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
60.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
50.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
40.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
30.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
20.00%	200.00%	22.00%	$12,200
10.00%	200.00%	20.00%	$12,000
5.00%	200.00%	10.00%	$11,000
0.00%	N/A	0.00%	$10,000
-5.00%	N/A	0.00%	$10,000
-10.00%	N/A	0.00%	$10,000
-20.00%	N/A	0.00%	$10,000
-30.00%	N/A	-10.00%	$9,000
-40.00%	N/A	-20.00%	$8,000
-50.00%	N/A	-30.00%	$7,000
-60.00%	N/A	-40.00%	$6,000
-70.00%	N/A	-50.00%	$5,000
-80.00%	N/A	-60.00%	$4,000
-90.00%	N/A	-70.00%	$3,000
-100.00%	N/A	-80.00%	$2,000

The notes are intended to be long term investments and, as such, should be held to maturity. They are not intended to be short-term trading instruments. The price at which you will be able to sell your notes prior to maturity may be at a substantial discount from the principal amount of the notes, even in cases where the value of the reference asset has appreciated since the pricing date of the notes. The potential returns described here assume that your notes are held to maturity.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE ASSET

General

This free writing prospectus is not an offer to sell and it is not an offer to buy interests in the reference asset or any of the securities comprising the reference asset. All disclosures contained in this free writing prospectus regarding a reference asset, including its make-up, performance, method of calculation and changes in its components, where applicable, are derived from publicly available information. Neither HSBC nor any of its affiliates assumes any responsibilities for the adequacy or accuracy of information about any reference asset or any constituent included in any reference asset contained in this free writing prospectus. You should make your own investigation into each reference asset.

We urge you to read the section “Sponsors or Issuers and Reference Asset” on page S-37 in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Dow Jones Industrial Average^SM

We have derived all information relating to the reference asset, including, without limitation, its make-up, performance, method of calculation and changes in its components, from publicly available sources. That information reflects the policies of and is subject to change by, Dow Jones & Company, Inc. ("Dow Jones"). Dow Jones is under no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue or suspend the publication of the reference asset at any time.

Dow Jones publishes the reference asset.

The reference asset is a price-weighted index, rather than capitalization weighted. The reference asset is compromised of 30 blue-chip stocks that are generally the leaders in their industry. As of November 28, 2008, 28 companies or 93.33% of the Index, traded on the New York Stock Exchange and 2 companies, or 6.67% of the Index, traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market. The reference asset is intended to be a measure of the entire U.S. market, covering a diverse set of industries such as financial services, technology, retail, entertainment and consumer goods.

According to Dow Jones, the composition of the reference asset is determined at the discretion of the editors of The Wall Street Journal. There are no pre-determined criteria except that components should be established U.S. companies that are leaders in their industries. For the sake of continuity, changes to the composition of the reference asset are rare, and generally occur only after corporate acquisitions or other dramatic shifts in a component's core business. When such an event necessitates that one component be replaced, the entire reference asset is reviewed by the editors of The Wall Street Journal. As a result, multiple component changes are often implemented simultaneously.

Changes in the reference asset are reported daily in the financial pages of many major newspapers, on Bloomberg Professional^® service page “INDU <INDEX>” and on Dow Jones website (http://www.djindexes.com). Information contained in the Dow Jones website is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered a part of, this pricing supplement. The reference asset does not reflect the payment of dividends on the stocks included in the reference asset.

Computation of the reference asset

The reference asset is calculated by adding up the prices of the 30 constituent stocks and dividing the total by a divisor. The divisor is adjusted to ensure the continuity of the reference asset. The divisor is now an arbitrary number that reflects adjustments over time resulting from spin-offs, stock splits, stock dividends and other corporate actions, as well as additions and deletions to the reference asset. Accordingly, the divisor is no longer equal to the number of components in the reference asset . The divisor value of the reference asset as of November 28, 2008 is 0.122555271.

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The formula for calculating the divisor change is as follows:

D t+1=D _t* S C ^a_t/ S C _t

Where:

D t+1 is the divisor to be effective on trading session t+1

D t is the divisor on trading session t

C ^a_t is the components adjusted closing prices for stock dividends, splits, spin-offs and other applicable corporate actions on trading session t

C t is the components closing prices on trading session t

While Dow Jones currently employs the above methodology to calculate the reference asset, no assurance can be given that Dow Jones will not modify or change this methodology in a manner that may affect the performance of the reference asset.

License Agreement with Dow Jones:

We have entered into a nonexclusive license agreement providing for the license to us, in exchange for a fee, of the right to use indices owned and published by Dow Jones in connection with certain securities, including the notes.

The notes are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones. Dow Jones makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the holders of the notes or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the notes particularly or the ability of the Dow Jones Industrial Average^SM to track general stock market performance. Dow Jones’s only relationship to HSBC (other than transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business) is the licensing of certain service marks and trade names of Dow Jones and of the Dow Jones Industrial Average^SMwhich is determined, composed and calculated by Dow Jones without regard to HSBC or the notes. Dow Jones has no obligation to take the needs of HSBC or the holders of the notes into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Dow Jones Industrial Average^SM. Dow Jones is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing of the sale of the notes, prices at which the notes are to initially be sold, or quantities of the notes to be issued or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the notes are to be converted into cash. Dow Jones has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the notes.

Historical Performance of the Reference Asset

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low intra-day levels, as well as end-of-quarter closing levels, of the reference asset for each quarter in the period from January 1, 2005 through September 30, 2008 and for the period from October 1, 2008 through November 28, 2008. The closing level of the reference asset on November 28, 2008 was 8,829.04. We obtained the data in the following table from Bloomberg Professional^® service, without independent verification by us. Historical prices of the reference asset should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given that the level of the reference asset will increase relative to the initial level during the term of the notes.

Quarter Ending	Quarterly High	Quarterly Low	Quarterly Last
March 31, 2005	10,984.46	10,368.61	10,503.76
June 30, 2005	10,656.29	10,000.46	10,274.97
September 30, 2005	10,719.41	10,175.40	10,568.70
December 30, 2005	10,959.79	10,156.46	10,717.50
March 31, 2006	11,334.96	10,661.15	11,109.32
June 30, 2006	11,670.19	10,698.85	11,150.22
September 30, 2006	11,741.99	10,683.32	11,679.07
December 31, 2006	12,529.88	11,653.06	12,463.15
March 30, 2007	12,795.93	11,939.61	12,354.35
June 29, 2007	13,692.00	12,324.28	13,408.62
September 30, 2007	14,021.95	12,517.94	13,895.63
December 31, 2007	14,198.10	12,724.09	13,264.82
March 31, 2008	13,279.54	11,634.82	12,262.89
June 30, 2008	13,136.69	11,287.56	11,350.01
September 30, 2008	11,867.11	10,365.45	10,850.66
October 1, 2008 through November 28, 2008	10,882.52	7,449.38	8,829.04

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the prospectus supplement. The following discussion summarizes certain of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership, and disposition of each of the notes. This summary supplements the section “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the prospectus supplement and supersedes it to the extent inconsistent therewith.

There are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as those of the notes. Under one approach, the notes should be treated as pre-paid forward or other executory contracts with respect to the reference asset. We intend to treat the notes consistent with this approach. Pursuant to the terms of the notes, you agree to treat the notes under this approach for all U.S. federal income tax purposes, and in the opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, special U.S. tax counsel to us, it is reasonable to treat the notes in accordance with this approach. Pursuant to this approach, we do not intend to report any income or gain with respect to the notes prior to their maturity or an earlier sale or exchange and we intend to treat any gain or loss upon maturity or an earlier sale or exchange as long-term capital gain or loss, provided that the U.S. holder has held the note for more than one year at such time for federal income tax purposes. See “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Certain Equity-Linked Notes — Certain Notes Treated as Forward Contracts or Executory Contracts” in the prospectus supplement for certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to notes that are treated as pre-paid cash-settled forward or other executory contracts.

If one or more of the entities included in the reference asset are treated as a REIT, partnership or trust, or PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or otherwise as a “pass-thru entity” for purposes of section 1260 of the Code, it is possible that the note will be subject to the “constructive ownership” rules of section 1260 of the Code. If so, the portion of any gain that relates to a pass-thru entity that would otherwise be treated as long-term capital gain recognized on the sale, exchange, maturity, or other taxable disposition of the notes could be treated as ordinary income and subject to an interest charge.

Because there are no statutory provisions, regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as those of the notes, other characterizations and treatments are possible and the timing and character of income in respect of the notes might differ from the treatment described above. For example, the notes could be treated as debt instruments that are “contingent payment debt instruments” for federal income tax purposes. See “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Contingent Payment Debt Instruments” in the prospectus supplement.

In Notice 2008-2, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the Treasury Department requested comments as to whether the purchaser of certain securities (such as the notes) should be required to accrue income during its term under a mark-to-market, accrual or other methodology, whether income and gain on such a note or contract should be ordinary or capital , and whether foreign holders should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accrual. Accordingly, it is possible that regulations or other guidance could provide that a U.S. holder of a note is required to accrue income in respect of the note prior to the receipt of payments under the note or its earlier sale. Moreover, it is possible that any such regulations or other guidance could treat all income and gain of a U.S. holder in respect of a note as ordinary income (including gain on a sale). Finally, it is possible that a non-U.S. holder of the note could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of a note. It is unclear whether any regulations or other guidance would apply to the notes (possibly on a retroactive basis). Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding Notice 2008-2 and the possible effect to them of the issuance of regulations or other guidance that affects the federal income tax treatment of the notes.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES.

FWP-12

CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

We urge you to read and consult “Certain ERISA Considerations” in the prospectus supplement.

DISCONTINUANCE OR MODIFICATION OF THE REFERENCE ASSET

If the reference sponsor (as defined below) discontinues publication of or otherwise fails to publish the reference asset on any day on which the reference asset is scheduled to be published and the reference sponsor or another entity publishes a successor or substitute index that the calculation agent determines to be comparable to the discontinued index (the comparable index, the “successor index”), then that successor index will be deemed to be the reference asset for all purposes relating to the notes, including for purposes of determining whether a market disruption event exists. Upon any selection by the calculation agent of a successor index, the calculation agent will furnish written notice to us and the holders of the notes.

If the reference asset is discontinued or if the reference sponsor fails to publish the reference asset and the calculation agent determines that no successor index is available at that time, then the calculation agent will determine the reference asset level using the same general methodology previously used by the reference sponsor. The calculation agent will continue to make that determination until the earlier of (i) the final valuation date or (ii) a determination by the calculation agent that the reference asset or a successor index is available. In that case, the calculation agent will furnish written notice to us and the holders of the notes.

If at any time the method of calculating the reference asset or a successor index, or the level thereof, is changed in a material respect, or if the reference asset or a successor index is in any other way modified so that, in the determination of the calculation agent, the level of the reference asset or successor index does not fairly represent the level of the reference asset or successor index that would have prevailed had those changes or modifications not been made, then the calculation agent will make the calculations and adjustments as may be necessary in order to determine a level comparable to the level that would have prevailed had those changes or modifications not been made. If, for example, the method of calculating the reference asset or a successor index is modified so that the level of the reference asset or successor index is a fraction of what it would have been if it had not been modified, then the calculation agent will adjust the reference asset or successor index in order to arrive at a level of the reference asset or successor index as if it had not been modified. In that case, the calculation agent will furnish written notice to us and the holders of the notes.

Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements, discontinuance of the publication of the reference asset may adversely affect the value of, and trading in, the notes.

“Reference sponsor” means, with respect to INDU, Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION

If the calculation agent determines that the notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the prospectus) with respect to the notes, the calculation agent will determine the accelerated cash settlement value due and payable in the same general manner as described in “Summary-Payment at Maturity” on page 2 of this free writing prospectus. In that case, the scheduled trading day preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the final valuation date for purposes of determining the accelerated final return. If a market disruption event exists with respect to the reference asset on that scheduled trading day, then the final valuation date for the reference asset will be postponed for up to five scheduled trading days (in the same general manner used for postponing the originally scheduled final valuation date). The accelerated maturity date will be the third business day following the accelerated final valuation date.

If the notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default, you will not be entitled to any additional payments with respect to the notes. For more information, see “Description of Debt Securities — Events of Default” and “— Events of Default; Defaults” in the prospectus.

FWP-13



You should only rely on the information contained in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus addendum and prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or to make any representation to you that is not contained in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus addendum and prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This free writing prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus addendum and prospectus are not an offer to sell these notes, and these documents are not soliciting an offer to buy these notes, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not, under any circumstances, assume that the information in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus addendum and prospectus is correct on any date after their respective dates.		HSBC USA Inc. $[l] Equity Buffer Notes December 1, 2008 FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS
_____________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Free Writing Prospectus
Summary	FWP-1
Investor Suitability	FWP-4
Risk Factors	FWP-5
Illustrative Examples	FWP-6
Description of the Reference Asset	FWP-10
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations	FWP-12
Certain ERISA Considerations	FWP-13
Discontinuance or Modification of The Reference Asset	FWP-13
Events of Default and Acceleration	FWP-13

Prospectus Supplement
Risk Factors	S-3
Pricing Supplement	S-13
Description of Notes	S-14
Sponsors or Issuers and Reference Asset	S-25
Use of Proceeds and Hedging	S-26
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations	S-26
Supplemental Plan of Distribution	S-38

Prospectus
About this Prospectus	2
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	2
HSBC USA Inc.	3
Use of Proceeds	3
Description of Debt Securities	4
Description of Preferred Stock	16
Description of Warrants	22
Description of Purchase Contracts	26
Description of Units	29
Book-Entry Procedures	32
Limitations on Issuances in Bearer Form	36
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Debt Securities	37
Plan of Distribution	52
Notice to Canadian Investors	54
Certain ERISA Matters	58
Where You Can Find More Information	59
Legal Opinions	59
Experts	59

FWP-14

Reference Asset (TICKER)	Upside Participation Rate	Maximum Cap⁽¹⁾	Issue Amount	Agent’s Discount or Commission Per Note / Total ⁽²⁾	Proceeds to Us Per Note / Total	CUSIP / ISIN	Final Valuation Date⁽³⁾	Maturity Date⁽⁴⁾
Dow Jones Industrial Average^SM (INDU)	200%	[20.00% - 24.00%]	TBD	TBD	TBD	4042K0TU9/ [l]	June 24, 2010	June 29, 2010

·	Principal Amount:	$1,000 per note.
·	Trade Date:	[December 23, 2008]
·	Pricing Date:	[December 23, 2008]
·	Original Issue Date:	[December 29, 2008]
·	Payment at Maturity:	For each note, the cash settlement value.
·	Cash Settlement Value:	For each note, you will receive a cash payment on the maturity date that is based on the final return (as described below):
		- If the final return is greater than 0.00%, you will receive an amount equal to the principal amount plus the lesser of:
		(i) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the final return multiplied by the upside participation rate; and
		(ii) the product of (a) the principal amount multiplied by (b) the maximum cap;
		- If the final return is between 0.00% and -20.00%, inclusive, you will receive 100% of the principal amount; and
		- If the final return is less than -20.00%, you will lose 1.00% of the principal amount for each percentage point that the final return is below -20.00%. For example, if the final return is -30.00%, you will suffer a 10.00% loss and receive 90.00% of the principal amount.
·	Final Return:	The quotient, expressed as a percentage, of (i) the ending value minus the starting value divided by (ii) the starting value, expressed as a formula:

·	Starting Value:	The official closing value of the reference asset as determined by the calculation agent on the pricing date.
·	Ending Value:	The official closing value of the reference asset as determined by the calculation agent on the final valuation date.
·	Official Closing Value:	The official closing value of the reference asset on any scheduled trading day (as defined herein) as determined by the calculation agent and displayed on Bloomberg Professional^® service page “INDU <INDEX>”.
·	Form of notes:	Book-Entry.
·	Listing:	The notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.