Standard & Poor’s today announced today the launch of a new, real-time index representing the Canadian preferred share universe.

The S&P/TSX preferred share index is made up of preferred share issues listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange that meet criteria relating to market capitalization, liquidity, and issuer rating. The index will launch in real time on Tuesday, April 10. Historical data for attribution purposes has been calculated back to July 2002.

“The S&P/TSX Preferred Share Index is the first index in Canada to focus on preferred shares — a class of securities with distinct and attractive characteristics for investors seeking yield,” said Steve Rive, vp of Canadian index services at Standard & Poor’s.

“We are very pleased with the evolution and growth of investment products being developed for the Canadian market,” said Eric Sinclair, senior vp at TSX Datalinx. “Indices like this one help enhance and expand visibility to the market for investors. This index provides yet another option for income investors.”