NEW YORK, July 14, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. ("NASDAQ") (Nasdaq:NDAQ) announced today the results of the interim review of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index(r) (Nasdaq:NBI), which will become effective with the market open on Monday, July 24, 2006.
The sole purpose of this review is to include some companies that were removed from the Index during the May semi-annual re-ranking due to sector classification assigned by the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB), a joint classification system jointly owned by FTSE International Limited and Dow Jones & Company. As a result of ICB's recent sector evaluation, five securities will be added back into the Index as their sector classification has been changed to biotechnology or pharmaceutical. In addition to qualifying for this sector, companies being added back met all other continued eligibility criteria. For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including a list of the companies in the index and the eligibility criteria, please visit www.NASDAQ.com.
The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index is the basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(sm) Fund (AMEX:IBB), which seeks investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index before fees and expenses. In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges.
NASDAQ is the largest U.S. electronic stock market. With approximately 3,200 companies, it lists more companies and, on average, trades more shares per day than any other U.S. market. It is home to companies that are leaders across all areas of business including technology, retail, communications, financial services, transportation, media and biotechnology. NASDAQ is the primary market for trading NASDAQ-listed stocks. For more information about NASDAQ, visit the NASDAQ Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com or the NASDAQ Newsroom at http://www.nasdaq.com/newsroom/.
iShares are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. Barclays Global Fund Advisors serves as an advisor to iShares and is a subsidiary of Barclays Global Investors, N.A., neither of which is affiliated with SEI. For a prospectus, call 1-800-iSHARES (1-800-474-2737).
iShares are not FDIC Insured. Have No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value.
Company Briefs
Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX) develops and manufactures molecular biology tools. The Company's GeneChip system acquires, analyzes, and manages genetic information in order to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases.
Biosite Incorporated (Nasdaq:BSTE) is a research-based company that discovers and develops novel protein-based diagnostic tests. The company's products improve a physician's ability to diagnose debilitating and life-threatening diseases.
BioVeris Corporation (Nasdaq:BIOV) develops, manufactures, and markets products in the biodefense, life sciences, and industrial markets. The Company develops biological detection systems based on its proprietary technology.
Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:CALP) uses its liquid handling and LabChip technologies to create tools that accelerate drug discovery and enhance the diagnosis of diseases.
Luminex Corporation (Nasdaq:LMNX) develops, manufactures, and markets a proprietary technology platform that simplifies biological testing for the life sciences industry.