FTSE Group To launch Global Small Cap Series

FTSE Group, the global index provider, today announces that it will create a new Global Small Cap index series to complement its existing large and mid cap indices, the FTSE All-World Index series. Together, the FTSE Global Small Cap series and the FTSE All-World will cover 98% of the world's investible market capitalisation. The new indices will be available and integrated with the FTSE All-World series from 22 September 2003.

The new Global Small Cap index series covers 49 countries, and includes over 4500 companies with a minimum size of US$ 100 million, ensuring that the indices are relevant to international investors. The series meets the design and methodology standards expected by market participants around the world, including transparency, liquidity, free float adjustment and low turnover costs.

The existing FTSE All-World series, which covers large and mid cap stocks, will be aligned with the new FTSE Global Small Cap series in September. A new, more transparent constituent selection methodology will be introduced covering both the FTSE All-World and FTSE Global Small Cap series to provide seamless global coverage of large, mid and small cap stocks.

Mark Makepeace, Chief Executive, FTSE Group said, "The introduction of the FTSE Global Small Cap series, coupled with existing FTSE All-World Index series, will provide the definitive global equity benchmark. FTSE has created a series which works equally whether you want to manage small cap exposure separately or as part of your global benchmark".