(February 6 – 13:30 ET) – Merrill Lynch says it will launch a comprehensive series of listed and over-the-counter investment products based on the new Global Sector Indices from FTSE, the global index provider.

Introduced earlier today, the FTSE Global Sector Indices were developed in consultation with Merrill Lynch. The products are the first tradeable blue-chip sector indices and will cover 11 of the world’s most liquid sectors and track companies on a global basis.

Merrill Lynch’s Global Sector Index products, which may include certificates, warrants, exchange traded funds and other structures, will be designed for both individual and institutional investors in key markets around the world.

“The new FTSE indices are a unique set of global benchmarks designed to help investors follow the world’s most liquid sectors. We’re pleased to be able to offer a wide range of global investment options that are the first to track these new indices,” said Debbie Gottdenker, vice president, global equity linked products at Merrill Lynch Canada.

The new FTSE indices are: FTSE Global Autos, FTSE Global Banks, FTSE Global Basic Industries, FTSE Global Energy, FTSE Global Financials, FTSE Global General Industries, FTSE Global Media, FTSE Global Pharmaceuticals, FTSE Global Tech, FTSE Global Telecoms, and FTSE Global Utilities.

FTSE is one of the world’s leading experts in the creation and management of equity indexes and is jointly owned by the London Stock Exchange and the Financial Times.
-IE Staff