Dow Jones Dharma aims for good karma

Dow Jones Indexes and Dharma Investment Group have launched the Dow Jones Dharma Indexes, which measure the performance of companies selected according to the values and principles of Dharmic religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. The Dow Jones Dharma Index series includes the Dow Jones Dharma Global Index, in addition to four other country indexes for the United States, the U.K., Japan and India. The indexes are designed to underlie financial products such as exchange traded funds and other investable products. To be included in the Dow Jones Dharma Indexes, stocks must pass a set of industry, environmental, corporate governance and qualitative screens for Dharmic compliance. The index excludes companies and industries from sectors that are deemed unacceptable due to the nature of their business activities and operations. These include: aerospace and defense, breweries, casinos and gaming, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, alcohol, adult entertainment, animal testing and genetic modification of agricultural products. Dharma Investment Group is based in Boulder, Colo. and Dow Jones Indexes is based in New York.