By integrating ICB into their infrastructure, FTSE index users will have the opportunity to access the market’s most innovative and flexible industry classification structure. ICB has become a common standard used by the world’s major stock exchanges, index providers, financial information and market data distributors, as well as publishing and media organizations worldwide.
Throughout 2005, ICB has established itself as the market’s preferred classification system. It is designed to offer the financial industry a unified and comprehensive means of classifying 40,000 companies and 45,000 securities around the world. It allows users to monitor broad trends, focus on small market niches, and also perform qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Mark Makepeace, Chief Executive, FTSE Group said, “FTSE clients will benefit from the additional features and transparency that ICB offers, and will already be aligned to the systems of major stock exchanges and financial institutions around the globe, which now also use ICB.”
“ICB offers comprehensive global coverage and an innovative classification structure that appeals to clients across the investment community,” said James Cemprola, managing director of ICB. “ICB serves as a versatile tool and will bring added expertise and value to FTSE and its clients.”
More information about the Industry Classification Benchmark is available at www.icbenchmark.com.
