FTSE Global Classification System

A system for categorizing economic/industrial activities, the FTSE taxonomy provides a comprehensive, detailed structure for sector analysis and facilitates the comparison of companies within sectors, sub-sectors and across national boundaries. The classification structure includes:

10 economic groups
36 industrial sectors
102 industry sub-sectors

This three-tiered structure is illustrated in the following excerpt from the FTSE system:

Economic Group	Industrial Sector	Industry Sub-sector
90 – Information Technology	93 – Information Technology Hardware	932 – Computer Hardware
		936 – Semiconductors
		938 – Telecommunications Equipment
	97 – Software & Computer Services	972 – Computer Services
		974 – Internet
		977 –Software

In 2002 Russell/Mellon Analytical Services began incorporating the FTSE Global Classification System into the Russell Indexes.

For more information, visit the FTSE FAQs section of Russell/Mellon's web site and the Market Data section of the FTSE web site.