investment vehicle, Buttress International Balance Fund, is based in Grand Cayman.

It represents the Cayman Islands' first locally managed and administered balanced mutual fund. Organised as a unit trust, it aims to provide long-term capital growth with a relatively low level of risk.

The portfolio consists of money market instruments, high quality bonds and global equities. The combination of investment and geographical spread is designed to provide maximum returns together with reduced risks through diversification.

The minimum initial investment is US$5,000 with additional subscriptions in US$1,000 increments.

The family of eight Buttress funds include two AAA-rated by Standard & Poor's, Buttress Liquid Reserve Fund and Buttress Money Market Fund Ltd.

The others are Buttress US$ Bond Fund Ltd., Buttress Capital Appreciation Bond Fund Ltd., Buttress International Income Fund Ltd., Buttress Equity Fund Ltd., Buttress Asia Fund and Buttress Bermuda Fund Ltd.