Isa watch: one week to go Thumb rating: down Andrew Hagger said: "The rate of 2.5pc includes a bonus of 0.75 percentage points for the first 12 months, interest is paid every six months and the account permits transfers in of previous year Isa balances. While it's possible to get a better rate of 3.30pc for an instant-access Isa accepting transfers in, Triodos customers seeking an ethical home for their tax-free cash may be happy to accept a lower return on the basis that the bank supports positive social, environmental and cultural change. This was launched in the UK in December 2008, in a difficult market. Manager Clare Hart has made the most of the recent rally in the US, returning 12.4pc in the past 12 months for investors. She favours a stock-driven approach, and likes dividend-paying companies such as T Rowe Price and Apple - who have recently paid their first ever dividend. The fund has returned 62pc in the past three years. Thumb rating: up Philippa Gee said: "This is a decent fund. It has survived volatile investment periods and continued to deliver, without demonstrating significant outperformance at any point. However, it may be that you already have enough allocation to the US, or that you prefer a fund with a more dividend focus, so that in this case the fund could prove uninspiring. However, if you are looking for a fund which is more general in its approach, this could be one to consider. This is one of the best-performing unit trusts across all sectors over the past couple of years. Despite a difficult last year, when the fund lost 20pc of it's value, it is still up 7.7pc in the last 12 months. It has returned 134pc over the past three years. The fund invests in small and micro caps - top 10 holdings include plastic packaging manufacturer RPC Group, maritime services supplier Oceans Wilson and microchip manufacturer Anite. Adrian Lowcock said: "The focus is predominantly around small and mid-sized companies, including AIM shares, and is where Giles Hargreaves, the manager, brings exceptional expertise and stock picking skills. As it invests in the smaller end of the market, it might be volatile Halifax has launched a five-year fixed-rate Isa paying 4.5pc. It is the best-paying Isa over this term and accepts transfers in of previous years' Isa allowances. If you deposit more than £5,000, you get entered into the Halifax Savers Draw and a monthly chance to win up to £100,000. To apply go to halifax.co.uk, call 08457 263 646 or go into your local branch. Mr Hagger said: "If you are comfortable with locking your cash Isa balance away for the next five years, the 4.5pc rate from Halifax is the best on the market and 0.25 percentage points higher than the next best. The account accepts transfers in, interest is paid annually, plus you will benefit from the Halifax Isa promise for transfers in, with interest earned from the day your completed application is handed in. BlackRock's Greater Europe investment trust has had a tumultuous year. Down 6.9pc in the past 12 months, the share price is relatively cheap, too - 183p as we went to press. But the longer-term figures are more promising - investors who bought three years ago would have seen their pot increase 75pc. The fund has exposure to emerging as well as Western Europe, with the largest chunk in Switzerland. The fund has no exposure to troubled Greece. Thumbs rating: up John Newlands said: "BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust, unlike some of its peers which retain substantial exposure to the UK, focuses on continental Europe, including the ability to allocate up to a quarter of its assets to emerging Europe. We like the team's unconstrained investment style, which has produced recent sector-leading returns and which, while past performance is no guide, looks well-positioned for what the future might hold. The trust is recommended as a medium-term buy.