Subscribers to products based on Russell’s family of 21 U.S. equity indexes now have full access to sector-related data based on the FTSE Global Classification System. Today’s announcement is part of an ongoing strategic collaboration between FTSE Group and theFrank Russell Company.

The use of FTSE sectors allows Russell indexes to employ a classification system that is global in nature and designed to provide the broadest coverage – more than 40,000 securities – across the world. As sectors become aligned globally, plan sponsors will have access to enhanced sector attribution analysis to make more informed investment decisions, says Russell/Mellon.

The 10 FTSE economic classifications now offered to Russell index clients are: resources, basic industries, general industries, cyclical consumer goods, non-cyclical consumer goods, cyclical services, non-cyclical services, utilities, financials and information technology.

“The implementation of the FTSE Global Classification system by Russell/Mellon enhances the Russell U.S. equity index series. It’s important for investors to be able to analyze their sector allocations across all regions of the world. The FTSE Global Classification System is a valuable portfolio management tool that provides an accurate, detailed and comprehensive structure to evaluate stocks and discover investment opportunities on a truly global basis,” said John Davi, equity derivatives strategist at Merrill Lynch.