FTSE launches Eurozone index

FTSE INTERNATIONAL is launching a "super" liquid Eurozone index - the FTSE EStars - featuring 29 companies the Eurozone countries. The list comprises eight French, eight German, seven Dutch, three Spanish and three Italian companies, including the Dutch bank ABN Amro, the German insurer Allianz, Elf Aquitaine, the French oil company and Telecom Italia.

The index will be available from 14 June and related futures and options contracts will be launched on the Amsterdam exchange and the London derivatives exchange Liffe by the end of the month.