Effective September 22, 2014, NASDAQ OMX will launch 234 additional indexes as a result of our semi-annual evaluation of the NASDAQ Global Indexes.
The comprehensive NASDAQ Global Index FamilySM covers international securities segmented by geography, sector, and size. The NASDAQ OMXtransparent and rules-based selection method results in a complete representation of the global investable equity marketplace. The indexes cover 45 individual countries within Developed and Emerging Markets, and facilitate a multitude of tracking, trading, and investing opportunities.
The NASDAQ Global Index (NQGI) benchmark provides broad exposure for more than 98% of investable large-, mid-, and small-cap securities. The family is further broken down across segments, regions, countries, sectors, and capitalization size. Our free float-adjusted, market cap-weighted methodology utilizes ICB classifications–resulting in indexes calculated as Price Return, Total Return, and Net Total Return.
As explained in the index methodology, the NASDAQ Global Indexes are evaluated semi-annually in March and September. Following the initial evaluation upon launch of the Global Index family, any indexes that contained less than five Index Securities were not launched. After the September evaluation of the index family, 234 of these indexes have met the index methodology requirements and will be launched on Monday, September 22, 2014.
For more information, please contact indexdatasales@nasdaqomx.com.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 142,000 new non-farm jobs were created in the month of August. This falls well short of the 225,000 monthly average of new jobs created through the end of July. US markets have not responded negatively to this news, with broad US benchmarks remaining up this week. Part of the market optimism could stem from the push that the result of this weak jobs report could mean low interest rates may continue well into the future.
“Despite the worst monthly jobs report coming out of the BLS since December of 2013, the US markets have continued to propel forward,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.
INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK
- NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 0.98% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 20% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April. Amgen is up 1.2%, this week.
- PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was up 0.15% as of noon Wednesday. The price of oil is currently $94.19 per barrel, up $2 from last week.
- PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was up 0.27% as of noon Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,235 per ounce, up $4 from last week.
INDEX TO WATCH
- The NASDAQ Global Index is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index, and tracks the performance of 98% of the listed market cap in the global equity space. The index is rebalanced semi-annually, on the close of trading the third Friday in March and September. The September semi-annual evaluation will occur Friday, September 19. The index currently includes 9,054 securities. The index is up 0.2% this week but up 11.2% year-over-year.
Global and European markets are down for the fourth day in a row as news around the Scottish independence referendum loom large. The markets have built in this negative sentiment while awaiting the implementation of further European sanctions on Russia.
“Global and European markets are down today, marking the fourth consecutive drop in the respective markets with much happening on the political front in Scotland and Russia,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.
INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK
- NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is up 0.65% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 20% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April. Gilead is up 1.6%, this week.
- PHLX OIL SERVICE SECTOR (OSX) was down 2.06% as of noon Wednesday. The price of oil is currently $91.62 per barrel, down $2 from last week.
- PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was down 3.05% as of noon Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,247 per ounce, down $19 from last week.
INDEX TO WATCH
- The NASDAQ Global Index is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index, and tracks the performance of 98% of the listed market cap in the global equity space. The index currently includes 9,055 securities. The index is down 1.2% this week but up 12.5% year-over-year.
The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is August's top performer at 10.3% and the NASDAQ CommoditySilver ER is the worst performer of August at -4.8%. Get a quick overview of NASDAQ OMX Index performance data for our top 50 most watched indexes here.
ADP employment report, which covers private employment in the US, is expected to be distributed tomorrow. The NASDAQ US Benchmark, a barometer for large, mid and small cap stocks in the US, is flat this week. The S&P 500, NASDAQ Composite and Dow all have similarly registered no gains this week.
“On the heels of the ceasefire agreement being outlined by Russia and Ukraine, the European and Emerging Markets have responded today with gains of 80 and 160 basis points, respectively,” said David Krein, Head of Research, NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes.
INDEX MOVES THIS WEEK
- NASDAQ BIOTECHNOLOGY INDEX (NBI) is down 0.56% since Friday’s close. Year-to-date performance for the index is up 22% after being above 20% at the end of February, and down 5% by mid-April. Gilead is up 0.98%, this week.
- NASDAQ OMX Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure (QGRD) was up 1.12% as of noon Wednesday. Some of the index’s largest holdings include Quanta Services, ITC Holdings and Red Electrica.
- PHLX Gold/Silver Sector (XAU) was down 3.49% as of noon Wednesday. The price of gold is currently $1,267 per ounce, down $19 from last week.
INDEX TO WATCH
- The NASDAQ Emerging Markets Index is a float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index which includes securities, in countries designated as Emerging Markets. The index currently includes 2,376 securities and some of the larger holdings include Samsung, China Mobile, and Petrobras. The index is up 1.5% this week and 11.2% year-to-date.
Read the article in PlanSponsor
Today’s financial environment is often plagued by hidden, complicated fees and fine print; Investors should be keenly aware of the critical questions to ask throughout their pension investment management process. Read John Jacobs’ article in PlanSponsor to find out the two most important factors when choosing your investment manager.
