The difference between "index-linked" and "index-tracking" is that "index-linked" instruments (usually bonds from a legal perspective) are firmly tied to a specific index. It would be highly unusual to change the beta of an index-linked investment - in contrast, index-tracking investments do not always perfectly match the performance of the index. A 1.1 beta means that the portfolio had a higher sensitivity than the benchmark index - presumably a slight overweight of high-beta issues in the index, to benefit from a rising market.