CIBC and CI Investments today announced the launch of CIBC CI Global Insights Deposit Notes, Series 1.

The new series of principal protected notes offers the potential for up to 200% exposure to a basket of three top global equity mutual funds managed by CI Investments. The notes employ a dynamic allocation strategy that increases exposure to the funds when performance is positive and reduces exposure to the funds when performance is negative.

CIBC provides 100% principal protection at maturity and any distributions made by the funds will be reinvested in the structure.

“The Canadian market has been one of the best-performing developed markets in the past few years, resulting in the typical Canadian investor’s portfolio being heavily skewed to Canadian content,” said David McBain, senior vp of CI Investments and president and CEO of Skylon Advisors Inc., which is marketing the notes in conjunction with CI Investments. “Prudent portfolio construction and new investing opportunities would suggest rebalancing is in order to increase global exposure and improve the overall risk characteristics of investment portfolios.”

The notes provide investors with exposure to the full growth potential of a weighted basket of funds comprised of Synergy Global Corporate Class (40%), CI International Value Fund (40%) and CI American Value Fund (20%). All growth in the net asset value of the notes over the eight-year term will be paid to investors by way of a final variable interest payment on the maturity date.

While there is no cap on the amount of interest that may be payable on the notes, it is possible that a Final Variable Payment may not be payable at maturity. However, the full principal amount of the note will be repaid by CIBC on the maturity date regardless of the performance of the Funds.

The notes are 100% eligible for registered plans. Series 1 will be available through most financial advisors until Jan. 20, 2006. The issue price is $100 per note, with the minimum investment being $5,000.