DIFX Selects FTSE Group As Index Partner

FTSE Group (FTSE), the award winning global index provider and Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) have signed an agreement to develop a range of conventional and Shariah compliant equity indices. These indices are intended to become chosen benchmarks for the performance of all significant Middle Eastern markets including the DIFX and specific markets of interest to DIFX participants.

FTSE and the DIFX will work together to create a family of indices suitable for the creation of financial products, such as index funds, warrants, certificates and Exchange Traded Funds. The indices will facilitate the creation of exchange traded index derivatives that will list and trade on the DIFX.

FTSE is a natural index partner for the DIFX, as it has a long-standing and proven track record of working with exchanges in developed and emerging markets around the world.

Donald Keith, Deputy Chief Executive, FTSE Group, said, “FTSE is honoured to bring its international indexing expertise to this exciting new market. Our experience across Europe and Asia, including developing indices in accordance with Islamic investment principles, provides the basis from which we can create an index family to capture the specific requirements of DIFX’s new market”.

Nasser Al Sha’ali, Chief Operating Officer of the DIFX said, “FTSE indices are recognised and respected by issuers and investors worldwide. We believe that FTSE will help to create a respected and viable family of indices, appropriate to be widely traded on our market.”