Dow Jones launches Shanghai-Shenzhen index

In a challenge to the mainland's incumbent Xinhua-FTSE index, Dow Jones yesterday launched a new A-share market index in a joint venture with Shanghai Media Group's CBN unit. The Dow Jones CBN 600 Index tracks an estimated 70% of the 600 largest A-share companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. Dow Jones� other index products are the China Blue-Chip 88 and an all-share index, both of which lacked the clout of a strong media group on the mainland. Its association with China Business Network is expected to give its latest index launch needed lift.