MasterCard SpendingPulse™ to Launch in the UK

Monthly retail sales analysis to be made available 7 to 10 days ahead of ONS data

PURCHASE, NY · November 16, 2007 /PRNewswire/ — MasterCard Advisors, the professional services arm of MasterCard Worldwide, today announced the launch of MasterCard SpendingPulse™ in the UK, one of the largest, fastest retail sales data sources available for the economic, fixed income and foreign exchange marketplaces.

Each month SpendingPulse will provide a comprehensive snapshot of UK retail sales performance and trends, ahead of official UK Government data. The SpendingPulse report is based on estimates of retail payments including cash and cheque volumes together with adjusted spending information based on aggregated sales activity through the MasterCard network.

SpendingPulse will be available approximately 7 to 10 days before the publication of official Office of National Statistics (ONS) month-to-month UK retail sales performance.

"The launch of SpendingPulse in the UK means that, for the first time, a comprehensive and accurate alternative to the ONS retail sales data will be available, well in advance of the publication of official statistics," comments Kamalesh Rao, Director of Economic Research, MasterCard SpendingPulse. "This will provide fixed income traders, portfolio managers, and analysts with very timely, statistically significant readings of UK retail sales performance each month." Rao added, "The real value of SpendingPulse is shown by the speed, and accuracy of the data source. Our data shows high correlations to government statistics, but is available in a far timelier manner."

Launched in the United States in March 2006, SpendingPulse is one of the most frequently cited measures of the U.S. retail economy.

Additional information on SpendingPulse can be found on
www.mastercardadvisors.com and www.mastercard.com.

About SpendingPulse

A macro-economic indicator, SpendingPulse reports on national retail sales and is based on aggregate sales activity in the MasterCard payments network, coupled with estimates for all other payment forms, including cash and cheque. MasterCard SpendingPulse does not represent MasterCard financial performance. SpendingPulse is provided by MasterCard Advisors, the professional services arm of MasterCard Worldwide.

About MasterCard Advisors

MasterCard Advisors, LLC, the professional services arm of MasterCard Worldwide, provides payments-focused consulting, information and outsourcing services to financial institutions and merchants worldwide. With its unsurpassed category expertise, deep understanding of customer needs, and successful track record in addressing complex challenges throughout the payments lifecycle, MasterCard Advisors delivers customised end-to-end solutions that maximise the value of clients' cards and payments businesses. MasterCard Advisors shares the goals and vision of its clients, and works in partnership with them to deliver actionable insights that drive tangible impact and financial gain. For more information, go to www.mastercardadvisors.com.

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 16 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro®, and Cirrus®, MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.