HSBC: An Update Regarding Your Online Savings Account - Fri, May 29, 2009

Dear XXXXXXX,

In these challenging times we remain committed to keeping our customers fully informed. We wanted to let you know that as of May 15, 2009, the Online Savings Account rate was adjusted to 1.55% APY*. This rate is still five times the national statement savings average± and, of course, the Online Savings Account has no monthly fees and is FDIC insured to the maximum permitted by law.†

I also wanted to share some interesting information with you that we learned through a recent research study we conducted as part of our continuing efforts to better understand and serve our customers. The results provide valuable insight into the way different people think about saving.

• Active Savers, a group of people characterized by their dedication to saving, entered the recession better prepared than others because of their savings lifestyle. They have not had to take drastic measures to adapt to uncertain financial times and are less likely to have had to cut back on spending, eating out, and making large purchases.
• For more than half (57 percent) of Active Savers, learning to save started at a young age. Putting money away is a value their parents instilled in them (73 percent).
• Savings comes first for nearly half (46 percent) of Active Savers. They’re willing to make sacrifices in order to be able to put money away.
• Overall, a majority of the population has not allowed the economy to hamper their savings plans—81 percent have been able to put the same amount away, if not more.

For more details on this research, please click here.

I remain committed to informing you of any changes to your account with us and thank you for your continuing support.

Sincerely,

Kevin Martin
Executive Vice President
Head of HSBC Direct U.S.