are you sure it says up between 16 and 18%... it's probably a bit different with some sort of barrier, cause 10% would be too much.
Here's what she emailed me: CD1 - DJIA Absolute Return CD Range 15% Must never TRADE outside of barriers CD2 - DJIA Absolute Return CD Range 12.5%-14.5% Must never CLOSE outside of barriers CD3 - SP500 Absolute Return CD Range 12.5%-14.5% Must never CLOSE outside of the barriers CD4 - SP500 Absolute Return CD Range (lower) 10% / (upper) 19.75-22% Must never CLOSE outside of the barriers So it looks like that last one has a lower barrier but the rest don't. I think the online bank idea sounds good. FDIC insured. Take your money out whenever you want. Better return than the other CDs (which are like 3% or less).
you have to keep in mind, that the bank hedges this position with options and t-bills and they want to earn some money (and usually a lot with this kind of structures products)... and volatility is high now, so those barriers are likely to be hit... maybe it's better to go with good old t-bills or similar safe stuff... or exchange your money into a different currency where you get a real return (and hope for a further weakening of the inflatonary USD) i'm swiss and i'm happy with my swiss francs...
Hire some rocket scientist Ph.Ds and get their expert opinion on these complex financial instruments and then do the opposite.