FTSE, CNBC LAUNCH NEW INDEX SERIES FOR ASIA PACIFIC

KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (Bernama) -- FTSE Group and CNBC Monday announced the
creation of a new index series to track the performance of the 100 largest
companies in Asia Pacific.

The FTSE CNBC Asia 100 Index, calculated using FTSE’s renowned global index
standards, will feature on CNBC news programmes giving investors a unique
insight into the blue chip investable Asian market.

The new index can also be licensed as the basis for Exchange Traded Funds
(ETFs), structured products, derivatives or as a performance benchmark.

"In addition to the broad based FTSE CNBC Asia 100 Index, specialised
country and industry indices will be available for investors who want deeper
analysis of the key drivers of performance," said FTSE and CNBC in a joint
statement.

Among them is the FTSE CNBC Asia 100 Malaysia Index.

The indices are based on the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB), a
comprehensive, transparent and definitive classification system used by
investors and exchanges worldwide.

The FTSE CNBC Asia 100 Index is the latest index venture by FTSE and CNBC,
following on from the FTSE CNBC Global 300 and FTSE CNBC Global 300 Supersectors
launched in 2006.

-- BERNAMA