FWP 1 dp11499_fwp-u9.htm
   
Term Sheet No. U9
To the Prospectus dated March 29, 2007,
Prospectus Supplement dated March 24, 2008,
Product Supplement No. 8A dated October 1, 2008,
Underlying Supplement dated October 1, 2008
Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
Registration No. 333-132936-14
October 1, 2008
Credit Suisse
 
 
Financial 
Products 
 
Credit Suisse
 
$
 
9.00%* per annum  Callable Yield Notes Linked to the Performance of the S&P 500® and the iShares® MSCI EAFE Index Fund due May 1, 2009
 
General
·
The securities are designed for investors who are mildly bearish, neutral or mildly bullish on the Underlyings. Investors should be willing to lose some or all of their investment.
·
Monthly interest payments at a rate of 9.00%* per annum, subject to Early Redemption.
·
Senior unsecured obligations of Credit Suisse, acting through its Nassau Branch, maturing May 1, 2009.
·
Minimum purchase of $1,000.  Minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples in excess thereof.
·
The securities are expected to price on or about October 28, 2008 (the “Trade Date”) and are expected to settle on or about October 31, 2008. Delivery of the securities in book-entry form only will be made through The Depository Trust Company on or about October 31, 2008.
 
Key Terms
Issuer:
 
Credit Suisse, acting through its Nassau Branch (Standard & Poor’s AA-, Moody’s Aa1)††
Underlyings:
 
Each Underlying is identified in the table below, together with its Initial Level and Knock-In Level:
 
 
Underlying
Ticker
Initial Level
Knock-In Level
 
S&P 500® Index
SPX <INDEX>
   
 
iShares® MSCI EAFE Index Fund
EFA <EQUITY>
   
Knock-In Level:
 
The Knock-In Level for each Underlying will be between 75.00% and 77.50% of the Initial Level of such Underlying (to be determined on the Trade Date).
Interest Rate*:
 
The actual interest rate applicable to the securities will be determined on the Trade Date, but will not be less than 9.00% per annum.
Interest Payment Dates:
 
Unless redeemed earlier, interest will be paid monthly in arrears beginning on November 30, 2008, and ending on the maturity date, subject to the modified following business day convention. No interest will accrue or be payable following an Early Redemption.
Early Redemption:
 
The Issuer may redeem the securities in whole, but not in part, on January 31, 2009 upon at least five business days notice at 100% of the principal amount of the securities, together with any accrued but unpaid interest.
Knock-In Event:
 
A Knock-In Event occurs if the level of any Underlying reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level at any time during the Observation Period.
Initial Level:
 
For each Underlying, the closing level of such Underlying on the Trade Date.
Final Level:
 
For each Underlying, the closing level of such Underlying on the Valuation Date.
Redemption Amount:
 
The Redemption Amount of the securities will depend on the individual performance of each Underlying. Subject to our Early Redemption, the Redemption Amount in cash at maturity depends on whether a Knock-In Event occurs:
  ·
If a Knock-In Event occurs, the Redemption Amount will equal the principal amount of the securities you hold multiplied by the sum of one plus the percentage change from the initial level to the final level of the Lowest Performing Underlying, subject to a maximum of zero. In this case, the maximum Redemption Amount will equal the principal amount of the securities, but the Redemption Amount may be less than the principal amount of the securities and you could lose your entire investment.
  ·
If a Knock-In Event does not occur, the Redemption Amount will equal the principal amount of the securities.
Lowest Performing Underlying:
 
The Underlying for which the lowest value is obtained from the following equation:
Final Level – Initial Level
Initial Level
Observation Period:
 
The period from but excluding the Trade Date to and including the Valuation Date.
Valuation Date:
 
April 28, 2009
Maturity Date:
 
May 1, 2009
Listing:
 
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.
CUSIP:
 
22546EDM3
 
   Subject to postponement in the event of a market disruption event as described in the accompanying product supplement under “Description of the Securities—Market disruption events.”
 
††   A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the securities, and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.  Each credit rating should be evaluated independently of any other credit rating.  Any rating assigned to the securities does not enhance, affect or address the likely performance of the securities other than the ability of the Issuer to meet its obligations.
 
Investing in the securities involves a number of risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-3 of the accompanying product supplement and page IS-2 of the accompanying underlying supplement and “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page 5 of this term sheet.
 
Credit Suisse has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and the other documents relating to this offering that Credit Suisse has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Credit Suisse and this offering.  You may obtain these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.  Alternatively, Credit Suisse or any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement, product supplement, underlying supplement and this term sheet if you so request by calling 1-800-584-6837.
 
You may revoke your offer to purchase the securities at any time prior to the time at which we accept such offer on the date the securities are priced. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase the securities prior to their issuance. In the event of any changes to the terms of the securities, we will notify you and you will be asked to accept such changes in connection with your purchase. You may also choose to reject such changes in which case we may reject your offer to purchase.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this term sheet or the accompanying underlying supplement, the product supplement, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
 
  Price to Public
Underwriting Discounts and Commissions
Proceeds to Issuer
Per security
  $
$
$
Total
  $
$
$

The securities are not deposit liabilities and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction.

Credit Suisse

October 1, 2008
 

 
 
ADDITIONAL TERMS SPECIFIC TO THE NOTE
 
You should read this term sheet together with the prospectus dated March 29, 2007, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated March 24, 2008, the product supplement dated October 1, 2008, and the underlying supplement dated October 1, 2008 relating to our Medium Term Notes of which these securities are a part. You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):
 
 
Prospectus dated March 29, 2007:
 
 
 
Prospectus supplement dated March 24, 2008:
 
 
 
Product supplement No. 8A dated October 1, 2008:
 
 
 
Underlying supplement dated October 1, 2008:
 
 
Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 1053092. As used in this term sheet, the ‘‘Company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us,’’ or ‘‘our’’ refers to Credit Suisse.
 
This term sheet, together with the documents listed above, contains the terms of the securities and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying product supplement and underlying supplement and “Selected Risk Considerations” in this term sheet, as the securities involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. You should consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before deciding to invest in the securities.
 
 
1

 
Hypothetical Redemption Amounts at Maturity for Each $1,000 Principal Amount
 
The following tables illustrate hypothetical Redemption Amounts at maturity and total payments over the term of the securities (which include both payments at maturity and the total interest paid on the securities) on a $1,000 investment in the securities, based on a number of assumed variables. The tables assume that (i) the securities have not been redeemed prior to maturity, (ii) the Interest Rate applicable to the securities is 9.00% per annum, (iii) the term of the securities is exactly 6 months and (iv) the Knock-In Level for each Underlying is 76.25% of the Initial Level of such Underlying, which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this term sheet. These examples are provided for illustration purposes only. The actual payment amounts received by investors will depend on several variables, including, but not limited to (a) whether the level of any Underlying is less than or equal to its respective Knock-In Level on any day during the Observation Period and (b) the Final Level of the Lowest Performing Underlying.
 
TABLE 1: This table represents the hypothetical Redemption Amount at maturity and the total payment over the term of the securities on a $1,000 investment in the securities if a Knock-In Event DOES NOT occur during the Observation Period.
 
Principal
Amount of
Securities
 
Lowest
Performing
Underlying Return
 
Redemption Amount
(Knock-In Event
does not occur)
 
Total Interest
Payment on the Securities
 
Total Payment
$1,000
 
50%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
40%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
30%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
20%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
10%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
0%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
−10%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
−20%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
−30%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
$1,000
 
−35%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
$1,000
 
−40%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
$1,000
 
−50%
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
TABLE 2: This table represents the hypothetical Redemption Amount at maturity and the total payment over the term of the securities on a $1,000 investment in the securities if a Knock-In Event DOES occur during the Observation Period.
 
Principal
Amount of
Securities
 
Lowest
Performing
Underlying Return
 
Redemption Amount
(Knock-In Event
occurs)
 
Total Interest
Payment on the Securities
 
Total Payment
$1,000
 
50%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
40%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
30%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
20%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
10%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
0%
 
$1,000
 
$45
 
$1,045
$1,000
 
−10%
 
$900
 
$45
 
$945
$1,000
 
−20%
 
$800
 
$45
 
$845
$1,000
 
−30%
 
$700
 
$45
 
$745
$1,000
 
−40%
 
$600
 
$45
 
$645
$1,000
 
−50%
 
$500
 
$45
 
$545

 
2

 
Hypothetical Examples of Redemption Amounts of the Security
 
Because the return on the securities depends upon whether a Knock-In Event occurs and the performance of the Lowest Performing Underlying, we cannot present a complete range of possible Redemption Amounts at maturity. The four examples below set forth a sampling of hypothetical Redemption Amounts at maturity based on the following assumptions:
 
 
Principal amount of securities = $1,000
 
 
The Initial Level is 1200 for the SPX and 55 for the EFA.
 
 
No exercise of our Early Redemption right
 
 
The Knock-In Level for each Underlying is 76.25% of the Initial Level of such Underlying (the actual Knock-In Level for each Underlying will be between 75.00% and 77.50% of the Initial Level of such Underlying and will be determined on the Trade Date).
 
 
At maturity you will receive the Redemption Amount calculated as shown in the examples below.
 
 
In addition to the Redemption Amount, you will receive the monthly interest payments to maturity or the date of Early Redemption, as the case may be.
 
The examples provided herein are for illustration purposes only. The actual payment at maturity, if any, will depend on whether a Knock-In Event occurs and, if so, the Final Level of the Lowest Performing Underlying. You should not take these examples as an indication of potential payments. It is not possible to predict whether a Knock-In Event will occur and, if so, whether and by how much the Final Level of the Lowest Performing Underlying will decrease in comparison to its Initial Level.
 
Example 1: A Knock-In Event occurs because the level of one Underlying reaches its Knock-In Level; and the Final Level of the Lowest Performing Underlying is less than its Initial Level.
 
Underlying
 
Initial Level
 
Lowest Underlying Level during the
Observation Period
 
Final Level on
Valuation Date
SPX
 
1200
 
1200 (100% of Initial Level)
 
1300
EFA
 
55
 
41.94 (76.25% of Initial Level)
 
41.94
 
Since the level of the EFA reaches its Knock-In Level during the Observation Period, a Knock-In Event occurs. The EFA is also the Lowest Performing Underlying.

Therefore, the percentage change from the Initial Level to the Final Level of the Lowest Performing Underlying =
 
Final Level of the EFA − Initial Level of the EFA
 
Initial Level of the EFA
 
 
; subject to a maximum of 0.0
 
= (41.94–55)/55 = – 0.2375
 
The Redemption Amount = principal amount of the securities x (1 + percentage change of the Lowest Performing Underlying)
 
= $1,000 X (1 – 0.2375) = $762.50
 
3

 
Example 2: A Knock-In Event occurs because the level of one Underlying falls below its Knock-In Level; the Lowest Performing Underlying never reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level; and the Final Level of the Lowest Performing Underlying is less than its Initial Level.
 
Underlying
 
Initial Level
 
Lowest Underlying Level during the
Observation Period
 
Final Level on
Valuation Date
SPX
 
1200
 
960 (80% of Initial Level)
 
960
EFA
 
55
 
27.50 (50% of Initial Level)
 
60
 
Since the level of the EFA falls below its Knock-In Level during the Observation Period, a Knock-In Event occurs. The SPX is the Lowest Performing Underlying, even though its level never reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level.
 
Therefore, the percentage change of the Lowest Performing Underlying =
 
Final Level of the SPX − Initial Level of the SPX
Initial Level of the SPX
 
; subject to a maximum of 0.0
 
= (960 – 1200)/1200 = –0.2
 
The Redemption Amount = principal amount of the securities x (1 + percentage change of the Lowest Performing Underlying)
 
= $1,000 X (1 – 0.2) = $800
 
Example 3: A Knock-In Event occurs because the level of at least one Underlying reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level; and the Final Level of the Lowest Performing Underlying is greater than its Initial Level.
 
Underlying
 
Initial Level
 
Lowest Underlying Level during the
Observation Period
 
Final Level on
Valuation Date
SPX
 
1200
 
915 (76.25% of Initial Level)
 
1260
EFA
 
55
 
55 (100% of Initial Level)
 
61
 
Since the level of the SPX falls below its Knock-In Level, a Knock-In Event occurs. The SPX is the Lowest Performing Underlying.
 
Therefore, the percentage change of the Lowest Performing Underlying =
 
Final Level of the SPX − Initial Level of the SPX
Initial Level of the SPX
 
; subject to a maximum of 0.0
 
= (1260 – 1200)/1200 = 0.05
 
BUT 0.05 is greater than the maximum of 0.0, so the percentage change of the lowest performing Underlying is 0.0.
 
The Redemption Amount = principal amount of the securities x (1 + percentage change of the Lowest Performing Underlying)
 
= $1,000 X (1 – 0.0) = $1,000
 
4

 
Example 4: A Knock-In Event does not occur.
 
Underlying
 
Initial Level
 
Lowest Underlying Level during the
Observation Period
 
Final Level on
Valuation Date
SPX
 
1200
 
1080 (90% of Initial Level)
 
1320
EFA
 
55
 
44 (80% of Initial Level)
 
61
 
Since the level of each Underlying did not reach or fall below its Knock-In Level, a Knock-In Event does not occur.
 
Therefore, the Redemption Amount equals $1,000.
 
Selected Risk Considerations
 
A purchase of the securities involves risks. This section describes significant risks relating to the securities. We urge you to read the following information about these risks, together with the other information in this term sheet and the accompanying underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, before investing in the securities.
 
 
·
THE SECURITIES ARE NOT PRINCIPAL PROTECTED — An investment in the securities is not principal protected and you may receive less at maturity than you originally invested in the securities, or you may receive nothing, excluding any accrued and unpaid interest. If the level of any Underlying reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level at any time during the Observation Period, and the level of the Lowest Performing Underlying on the Valuation Date is less than its Initial Level, you will bear the full effect of the depreciation in the Lowest Performing Underlying. In this case, the Redemption Amount will be less than the principal amount of the securities and you could lose your entire investment if the Lowest Performing Underlying falls to zero.
 
 
 
·
THE SECURITIES WILL NOT PAY MORE THAN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT, PLUS ACCRUED AND UNPAID INTEREST, AT MATURITY OR UPON EARLY REDEMPTION  The amount paid at maturity or upon Early Redemption will never exceed the principal amount of the securities. If the Final Level of each Underlying is greater than its respective Initial Level (regardless of whether a Knock-In Event has occurred), you will not receive the appreciation of any of the Underlyings. Assuming the securities are held to maturity, the maximum amount payable with respect to the securities will not exceed $1,045 for each $1,000 principal amount of the securities.
 
 
·
YOUR RETURN WILL BE NEGATIVE EVEN IF THE LEVEL OF ONLY ONE UNDERLYING REACHES OR FALLS BELOW ITS KNOCK-IN LEVEL AND THE FINAL LEVEL OF ONLY ONE UNDERLYING IS BELOW ITS INITIAL LEVEL — Your return will be negative even if the level of only one Underlying reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level and the Final Level of only one Underlying is below its Initial Level. Even if the level of only one Underlying reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level, a Knock-In Event will have occurred. If a Knock-In Event occurs and the Final Level of only one Underlying is less than its Initial Level, your return will be negative and you will receive less than the principal amount of the securities at maturity.
 
 
·
IF A KNOCK-IN EVENT OCCURS, YOUR RETURN WILL BE BASED ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LOWEST PERFORMING UNDERLYING — If a Knock-In Event occurs, your return will be based on the performance of the Lowest Performing Underlying. This will be true even if the level of the Lowest Performing Underlying never reached or fell below its Knock-In Level at any time during the Observation Period.
 
 
·
THE SECURITIES ARE EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF FLUCTUATIONS IN THE LEVELS OF THE UNDERLYINGS TO THE SAME DEGREE FOR EACH UNDERLYING — The securities are linked to the individual performance of each Underlying and are not linked to a basket comprised of the Underlyings. Because the securities are not linked to a basket, in which the risk is mitigated and diversified among all of the components of the basket, you will be exposed to the risk of fluctuations in the levels of the Underlyings to the same degree for each Underlying.
 
 
5

 
 
·
THE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO EARLY REDEMPTION, WHICH LIMITS YOUR ABILITY TO ACCRUE INTEREST OVER THE FULL TERM OF THE SECURITIES — The securities may be redeemed on January 31, 2009 upon at least five business days notice. If the securities are redeemed, you will receive only the principal amount of the securities and any accrued but unpaid interest to the Early Redemption Date. In this case, you will lose the opportunity to continue to accrue and be paid interest to the scheduled Maturity Date. It is more likely that the securities will be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date if a Knock-In Event has not occurred. If the securities are redeemed prior to the Maturity Date, you may be unable to invest in other securities with similar level of risk that yield as much interest as the securities.
 
 
·
NO DIVIDEND PAYMENTS OR VOTING RIGHTS – As a holder of the securities, you will not have voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends or other distributions or other rights that holders of stocks comprising any Component Underlying would have.
 
 
·
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES INDEXED TO THE VALUE OF FOREIGN EQUITY SECURITIES – Investments in securities indexed to the value of foreign equity securities involve risks associated with the securities markets in those countries, including the risk of volatility in those markets, governmental intervention in those markets and cross-shareholdings in companies in certain countries. Foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements different from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.
 
 
·
LACK OF LIQUIDITY – The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Credit Suisse (or its affiliates) intends to offer to purchase the securities in the secondary market but is not required to do so. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities easily. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which Credit Suisse (or its affiliates) is willing to buy the note.
 
 
·
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS – We and our affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the securities, including acting as calculation agent and hedging our obligations under the securities. In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of ours are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities.
 
 
·
THE MARKET VALUE OF THE SECURITIES MAY BE INFLUENCED BY MANY FACTORS THAT ARE UNPREDICTABLE — Many factors, most of which are beyond our control, will influence the value of the securities and the price at which Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC may be willing to purchase or sell the securities in the secondary market, including:
 
 
o
the current level of the Underlyings;
 
 
o
interest and yield rates in the market;
 
 
o
the volatility of any of the Underlyings;
 
 
o
the Early Redemption feature, which is likely to limit the value of the securities;
 
 
o
economic, financial, political and regulatory or judicial events that affect the stocks underlying the Underlyings or stock markets generally and which may affect the level of any of the Underlyings;
 
 
o
the time remaining to the maturity of the securities;
 
 
o
the dividend rate on the stocks included in the Underlyings; and
 
 
o
Credit Suisse’s creditworthiness including actual or anticipated downgrades in our credit ratings.
 
Some or all of these factors may influence the price that you will receive if you choose to sell yoursecurities prior to maturity. The impact of any of the factors set forth above may enhance or offsetsome or all of any change resulting from another factor or factors.
 
6

 
Use of Proceeds and Hedging
 
We intend to use the net proceeds for our general corporate purposes, which may include refinancing of existing debt outside of Switzerland. Some or all of the net proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities may be used in connection with hedging our obligations under the securities. Such hedging or trading activities on or prior to the pricing date and during the term of the securities (including on the Valuation Date) could adversely affect the value of the Underlyings and, as a result, could decrease the amount you may receive on the securities at maturity. Please refer to “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying product supplement for further information.
 
Historical performance of the Underlyings
 
The following table sets forth the published high, low, and period end closing levels of each Underlying during each calendar quarter from January 1, 2003 through September 29, 2008. The closing levels of the S&P 500® Index and the iShares® MSCI EAFE Index Fund on September 29, 2008 were 1106.39 and 53.08, respectively. We obtained the closing levels and other information below from Bloomberg Financial Markets, without independent verification. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Financial Markets.
 
You should not take the historical values of the Underlyings as an indication of future performance of the Underlyings or the securities. The levels of any of the Underlyings may decrease so that a Knock-In Event occurs and at maturity you will receive a Redemption Amount equal to less than the principal amount of the securities. We cannot give you any assurance that the level of the Lowest Performing Underlying will increase from the Trade Date to the Valuation Date. If the level of any Underlying reaches or falls below its Knock-In Level at any time during the Observation Period, and the level of the Lowest Performing Underlying on the Valuation Date is less that its Initial Level, then you will lose money on your investment.
 
   
Low
 
High
 
Close
     
Low
 
High
 
Close
S&P 500® Index
                           
2003
             
2006
           
First Quarter
 
800.73
 
931.66
 
848.18
 
First Quarter
 
1254.78
 
1307.25
 
1294.83
Second Quarter
 
858.48
 
1011.66
 
974.50
 
Second Quarter
 
1223.66
 
1325.76
 
1270.20
Third Quarter
 
965.46
 
1039.58
 
995.97
 
Third Quarter
 
1234.49
 
1339.15
 
1335.85
Fourth Quarter
 
1018.22
 
1111.92
 
1111.92
 
Fourth Quarter
 
1331.32
 
1427.09
 
1418.30
2004
             
2007
           
First Quarter
 
1091.33
 
1157.76
 
1126.21
 
First Quarter
 
1374.12
 
1459.68
 
1420.86
Second Quarter
 
1084.10
 
1150.57
 
1140.84
 
Second Quarter
 
1424.55
 
1539.18
 
1503.35
Third Quarter
 
1063.23
 
1129.30
 
1114.58
 
Third Quarter
 
1406.70
 
1553.08
 
1526.75
Fourth Quarter
 
1094.81
 
1213.55
 
1211.92
 
Fourth Quarter
 
1407.22
 
1565.15
 
1468.36
2005
             
2008
           
First Quarter
 
1163.75
 
1225.31
 
1180.59
 
First Quarter
 
1273.37
 
1447.16
 
1322.70
Second Quarter
 
1137.50
 
1216.96
 
1191.33
 
Second Quarter
 
1278.38
 
1426.63
 
1280.00
Third Quarter
 
1194.44
 
1245.04
 
1228.81
 
Third Quarter (through September 29, 2008)
 
1106.39
 
1305.32
 
1106.39
Fourth Quarter
 
1176.84
 
1272.74
 
1248.29
               
 
 
7

 

   
Low
 
High
 
Close
     
Low
 
High
 
Close
iShares® MSCI EAFE Index Fund
                           
2003
             
2006
           
First Quarter
 
28.81
 
34.15
 
30.20
 
First Quarter
 
60.33
 
65.38
 
64.92
Second Quarter
 
30.67
 
37.77
 
36.10
 
Second Quarter
 
59.46
 
70.58
 
65.39
Third Quarter
 
36.07
 
40.38
 
39.00
 
Third Quarter
 
61.70
 
68.36
 
67.75
Fourth Quarter
 
40.22
 
45.59
 
45.59
 
Fourth Quarter
 
67.94
 
74.33
 
73.22
2004
             
2007
           
First Quarter
 
45.12
 
48.10
 
47.20
 
First Quarter
 
70.90
 
76.72
 
76.26
Second Quarter
 
43.38
 
48.10
 
47.67
 
Second Quarter
 
76.50
 
81.78
 
80.77
Third Quarter
 
44.47
 
47.40
 
47.13
 
Third Quarter
 
73.94
 
83.62
 
82.59
Fourth Quarter
 
47.13
 
53.42
 
53.42
 
Fourth Quarter
 
78.24
 
86.10
 
78.50
2005
             
2008
           
First Quarter
 
51.26
 
55.25
 
52.96
 
First Quarter
 
68.34
 
78.35
 
71.90
Second Quarter
 
51.28
 
53.83
 
52.39
 
Second Quarter
 
68.08
 
78.52
 
68.67
Third Quarter
 
51.95
 
58.48
 
58.10
 
Third Quarter (through September 29, 2008)
 
53.08
 
68.00
 
53.08
Fourth Quarter
 
54.72
 
60.94
 
59.43
               
 
 
Certain United States Federal Income Tax  Considerations
 
The following discussion is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the securities.  Except as indicated below under “—Tax treatment of Non-U.S. Holders,” this discussion applies only to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) of a security that acquires the security pursuant to this offering at the initial offering price.  This discussion is based upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions currently in effect, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.  This discussion is limited to investors that hold the securities as capital assets (generally for investment purposes) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  Furthermore, this discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to investors in light of their particular circumstances, or to investors subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, partnerships, dealers in securities or currencies, persons deemed to sell the securities under the constructive sale provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and persons that hold the securities as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment.  Furthermore, this discussion does not address any U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws or any state, local or foreign tax laws.  Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the securities.
 
For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of a security that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or partnership that is created or organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (B) that has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  A “non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner that is not a U.S. Holder.
 
If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) owns securities, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.  Partners in a partnership that owns the securities should consult their tax advisors as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to them.
 
IRS CIRCULAR 230 REQUIRES THAT WE INFORM YOU THAT ANY TAX STATEMENT HEREIN REGARDING ANY US FEDERAL TAX IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, BY ANY TAXPAYER FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING ANY PENALTIES. ANY SUCH STATEMENT HEREIN WAS WRITTEN TO SUPPORT THE MARKETING OR PROMOTION OF THE TRANSACTION(S) OR MATTER(S) TO WHICH THE STATEMENT RELATES.  A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR (INCLUDING A TAX-EXEMPT INVESTOR) IN THE SECURITIES SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR IN DETERMINING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
 
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In General
 
There are no 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 securities.  Under one approach, each security is treated as consisting of (a) a put option (the “Put Option”) that requires the holder to cash settle against the value of the lowest performing Underlying for an amount equal to the Deposit (as defined below) if any Underlying level declines to a defined floor level and ends up equal to or less than the Initial Level and (b) a deposit with us of cash, in an amount equal to the amount paid for a security (the “Deposit”) to secure the holder’s potential obligation to cash settle against the value of the lowest performing Underlying.  We intend to treat the securities consistent with this approach.  We and by acceptance of a security, each holder, agree to treat the securities as consisting of a Deposit and a Put Option with respect to the Underlyings for all U.S. federal income tax purposes.  Except as otherwise provided in “—Alternative characterizations and treatments,” the balance of this summary assumes that the securities are so treated.
 
Tax treatment of U.S. Holders
 
In accordance with the agreed-upon tax treatment described above, the portion of each stated interest coupon on the security that should be treated as interest on the Deposit is 3.975% and the remaining 5.025% should be treated as put premium received by the U.S. Holder in respect of the Put Option to us (the "Put Premium").
 
Interest Payments on the Securities
 
We will treat the Deposit as a debt obligation issued by us. Accordingly, we will treat each coupon payment as consisting of interest of 3.975% on the Deposit and the balance of 5.025% as Put Premium paid to you.  U.S. Holders should therefore include such interest component of the coupon in income as received or accrued, based on their method of accounting.
 
Put Premium and Payment of Redemption Amount on the Securities
 
A U.S. Holder should not be subject to tax upon receipt of the Put Premium.
 
If the final level of the lowest performing underlying is less than or equal to the initial level, a U.S. holder will receive cash equal to the amount described above under  "Description of the Securities — Redemption Amount" and should recognize short-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the cash proceeds so received (other than in respect of any accrued but unpaid coupon on the security, which will be taxed as described above) plus the Put Premium, and (b) the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the security (generally equal to the amount of the Deposit).
 
If the final level of the lowest performing underlying is greater than the initial level, a U.S. holder will receive cash equal the principal amount of the security and should recognize short-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (a) the cash proceeds so received (other than in respect of any accrued but unpaid coupon on the security, which will be taxed as described above) and (b) the U.S. Holder's tax basis in the security.  This difference is expected to equal zero. The Put Option should be deemed to have expired unexercised and the Put Premium received should be treated as short-term capital gain at such time.
 
Sale or Exchange of the Securities
 
Upon a sale of a security, a U.S. Holder should allocate the sale proceeds received between the Deposit and the Put Option on the basis of their respective fair market values on the date of sale. The U.S. Holder should generally recognize gain or loss with respect to the Deposit in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of the sale proceeds allocable to the Deposit and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Deposit (which will generally equal the issue price of the security). Except to the extent attributable to accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the Deposit, which will be subject to tax as described above under “—Interest Payments on the Securities,” such gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the security for not more than one year, and long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder has held the security for more than one year.  A U.S. Holder should recognize short-term capital gain equal to the amount of remaining sale proceeds allocable to the Put Option plus any previously received Put Premium.  If the value of the Deposit exceeds the total sale proceeds received, then the U.S. Holder should be treated as having paid the buyer an amount equal to the amount of such excess in exchange for the buyer’s assumption of the U.S. Holder’s rights and obligations under the Put Option.  In such a case, the U.S. Holder should recognize a short-term capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the total Put Premium previously received and the amount of the payment deemed made by the U.S. Holder to the buyer with respect to the assumption of the Put Option.  The amount of the deemed payment will be added to the sale proceeds allocated to the Deposit in determining the gain or loss in respect of the Deposit.
 
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Alternative Characterizations and Treatments
 
Although we intend to treat each security as a Deposit and a Put Option, there are no regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization of securities with terms that are substantially the same as those of the securities. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) would accept or that a court would uphold the characterization and treatment described above. The securities could be subject to some other characterization or treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes which would affect the timing and the character of any income or loss with respect to the securities, potentially adversely. For example, the securities could be treated as “contingent payment debt instruments” (“CPDIs”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Other characterizations and treatments of the securities are possible. Prospective investors in the securities should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences to them of purchasing securities, including any alternative characterizations and treatments.
 
Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders
 
Any capital gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of the securities by a non-U.S. Holder, including capital gain resulting from the delivery of cash upon redemption of the securities, generally will not be subject to United States taxation unless: (1) such gain is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of such non-U.S. Holder or (2) in the case of a non-U.S. Holder who is an individual, such non-U.S. Holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale or other disposition.
 
Non-U.S. Holders that are subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis with respect to their investment in the securities should refer to the discussion relating to U.S. Holders, above.
 
U.S. Federal Estate Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders
 
The securities may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax if an individual Non-U.S. Holder holds the securities at the time of his or her death. Individual Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of holding the securities at death.
 
IRS Notice on Certain Financial Transactions

On December 7, 2007, the IRS and the Treasury Department issued Notice 2008-2, in which they stated they are considering issuing new regulations or other guidance on whether holders of an instrument such as the securities should be required to accrue income during the term of the instrument.  The IRS and Treasury Department also requested taxpayer comments on (a) the appropriate method for accruing income or expense (e.g.,  a mark-to-market methodology or a method resembling the noncontingent bond method), (b) whether income and gain on such an instrument should be ordinary or capital, and (c) whether foreign holders should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accrual.

Accordingly, it is possible that regulations or other guidance may be issued that require holders of the securities to recognize income in respect of the securities prior to receipt of any payments thereunder or sale thereof.  Any regulations or other guidance that may be issued could result in income and gain (either at maturity or upon sale) in respect of the securities being treated as ordinary income.  It is also possible that a Non-U.S. Holder of the securities could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of the securities under such regulations or other guidance.  It is not possible to determine whether such regulations or other guidance will apply to your securities (possibly on a retroactive basis).  You are urged to consult your tax adviser regarding Notice 2008-2 and its possible impact on you.

Possible Legislation on Prepaid Forwards

On December 19, 2007, Representative Richard Neal introduced a tax bill (the “Bill”) before the House Ways and Means Committee that would apply to “prepaid derivative contracts” acquired after the date of enactment of the Bill.  The Bill, if enacted, would apply to certain derivative financial contracts with a term of more than one year, where there is no substantial likelihood that the taxpayer will be required to pay any additional amount thereunder, and would require the holder of such a contract to include as interest income each year in respect of such contract an amount determined by reference to the monthly U.S. federal short-term rate determined under Code section 1274(d).  A holder’s tax basis in such contract would be increased by the amount so included.  Any gain (either at maturity or upon sale) with respect to the contract would be treated as long-term capital gain if the contract is a capital asset in the hands of the holder and such holder has held the contract for more than one year.  Any loss would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of prior interest accruals.

While the Bill, if enacted, would not apply to the securities (due to its prospective effective date), it is not possible to predict whether any tax legislation that may ultimately be enacted will apply to your securities (possibly on a retroactive basis).  You are urged to consult your tax adviser regarding the Bill and any future tax legislation that may apply to your securities.
 
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Information reporting and backup withholding
 
Distributions made on the securities and proceeds from the sale of securities to or through certain brokers may be subject to a “backup” withholding tax on “reportable payments” unless, in general, the holder complies with certain procedures or is an exempt recipient. Any amounts so withheld from distributions on the securities generally would be refunded by the IRS or allowed as a credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax, provided the holder makes a timely filing of an appropriate tax return or refund claim.
 
Reports will be made to the IRS and to holders that are not excepted from the reporting requirements.
 
Underwriting
 
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in a distribution agreement dated May 7, 2007, as amended, which we refer to as the distribution agreement, we have agreed to sell the securities to Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC.
 
The distribution agreement provides that Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is obligated to purchase all of the securities if any are purchased.
 
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC proposes to offer the securities at the offering price and will receive the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this term sheet. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC may allow the same discount on the principal amount per security on sales of such securities of other brokers or dealers. If all of the securities are not sold at the initial offering price, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC may change the public offering price and other selling terms.
 
Please refer to “Underwriting” in the accompanying product supplement for further information.
 
 
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