(Alliance News) - FTSE Russell on Monday announced changes to inclusion thresholds for its key indices, paving the way for non-sterling denominated shares to be included in the blue-chip and mid-cap benchmarks.
From September, shares which trade in euros and US dollar are "to be considered for potential inclusion to the FTSE UK Index Series", the index operator said.
"Currently, the FTSE UK Index Eligibility Criteria specifies that only securities trading in Sterling are eligible for inclusion to the FTSE UK Index Series. Inclusion will still require a UK nationality and a listing on the Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) or Closed-ended investment fund categories, as set out in the FTSE UK Index Series ground rules. As things stand, there are no companies immediately eligible for inclusion on the effective date of this change to the inclusion criteria. However, the actual and longer-term impact to the composition of the indices will be guided by changes to the underlying market and specifically index eligible securities opting to trade in euros or US dollars," FTSE Russell said.
In addition, FTSE Russell said it will "lower the fast entry thresholds" for the FTSE UK Index Series.
It would allow for new listings to enter the FTSE 100 or 250 days after their initial public offering if they are large enough.
"If a company listing on the London Stock Exchange ranks 225th or above based on the close price on the first day of unconditional dealings, and has an investable market capitalisation of GBP1 billion, then the company, if otherwise eligible, will be placed in the FTSE 100 or FTSE 250, as appropriate, after the close on its fifth day of trading. Concurrently, the lowest rank constituent will be deleted from the applicable index and associated membership changes implemented," FTSE Russell said.
FTSE Russell's Head of Policy David Sol said: "We regularly look at the methodology of our indices to ensure they continue to represent the underlying market and sectors. This includes our recent review of the FTSE UK Index Series, where the companies included are inextricably intertwined with the companies that list on the London Stock Exchange. Whilst there will be no immediate impact on the index composition, these two changes will give the FTSE UK Index Series a timely and more accurate representation of companies that can list in London today and in the future."
Recently, London has struggled to attract big name new listings, with some firms opting to float shares elsewhere. In addition, some companies have opted to move their primary listings elsewhere.
In recent years, plumbing and heating products firm Ferguson Enterprises Inc, bookmaker Flutter Entertainment PLC, building materials supplier CRH PLC, and miner BHP Group Ltd have been among a rush of large companies moving their primary listings from London.
By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor
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