Bangkok--26 Sep--SET
An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) based on the FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index has been listed on Singapore Exchange (SGX). The fund provides investment opportunities in five ASEAN markets, and nine Thai companies are included in the underlying index.
The first ETF based on FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index commenced trading on SGX on September 21, 2006 using “FTSE ASEAN 40 ETF” as its trading symbol. CIMB Group, Barclays Global Investor, and Citigroup, respectively, are its fund manager, advisor, and market maker, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Senior Vice President Dr. Sethaput Suthiwart-Narueput, PhD., stated.
“I am delighted that the ETF has been listed on SGX, providing investors with the opportunity of easily investing in regional markets. As trading in the fund increases the liquidity of securities in the underlying index, it will benefit all ASEAN markets,” Dr. Sethaput added.
The underlying FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index includes 40 listed securities from Bursa Malaysia, Jakarta Stock Exchange, The Philippine Stock Exchange, SGX and SET. The nine Thai companies in the FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index, are (by size of market capitalization) PTT PCL (PTT), PTT Exploration and Production PCL (PTTEP), Bangkok Bank PCL (BBL), Kasikornbank PCL (KBANK), Advanced Info Service PCL (ADVANC), Siam Cement PCL (SCC), Siam Commercial Bank PCL (SCB), Thai Petrochemical Industry PCL (TPI), and Krung Thai Bank PCL (KTB). The FTSE/ASEAN Index constituent list will be reviewed in March 2007.
ETF combines the advantages of stocks and open-ended funds. Investing in this product is straightforward and provides the same real-time quotes as investing in a stock. Meanwhile, it offers an opportunity to invest in a basket of securities. While ETFs have been expanding globally, Thailand has been preparing to introduce its own version.
Commercially launched on September 21, 2005, FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index is a collaboration between five ASEAN markets and the FTSE Group, intended to strengthen the ‘ASEAN brand’ internationally. If we look at data for the past 5 years, FTSE/ASEAN 40 Index would have yielded a total return of 110.61%, and 22.7% over the past twelve months.
For more information on the FTSE ASEAN 40 ETF, please visit CIMB Group’s website at http://etf.cimb-gk.com . Information on FTSE/ASEAN and FTSE/ASEAN indices is available on SET’s website at www.set.or.th , “FTSE/ ASEAN Index” Section, and on FTSE Group’s website at www.ftse.com , “Indices” section.
For more information, please contact the Corporate Communications Dept.:
Ladawan Kantawong Tel: 0-2229-2036 / Kulvida Jintakawong Tel: 0-2229-2037 /
Nattaporn Boonprapa Tel: 0-2229-2049 / Watsamon Saowakhonsathien Tel: 0-2229-2797