‘Terror-free’ indexes to debut

An index company and a security advisory firm have teamed up to create a series of screened indexes to help investment plan sponsors meet “terror-free” investing goals as more states adopt these strategies.
FTSE Group, a London-headquartered global index company, and Conflict Security Advisory Group, an independent research provider based in Washington today signed an agreement to create The FTSE CSAG Terror-Free Index Series, scheduled for release in 2008.
It was created in response to legislation introduced by many states to limit investment or divest completely from countries designated by the United States as terror sponsors, such as Iran, Sudan, Syria and North Korea.
The agreement springs from the recognition that demand is on the rise for vehicles that include terror-free screens, according to a statement released by both firms.
Conflict Securities Advisory Group has identified 200-350 companies with a range of ties to terror-sponsoring countries and provides research for states, foundations and asset managers for terror-free investing.
As of Aug. 16 states had enacted or are considering legislation that would call for state public pension plans to limit or eliminate investment in Iran, according to a report from Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research.
Other states have enacted or proposed limiting investment in Sudan and other countries.