The Bache Commodity Green IndexSM (BCGISM) was launched earlier this week (30th June) by Bache Commodities Group, part of Prudential Financial. The new Index, says the company, gives investors a tool to invest in commodities with an environmental focus.

"Bache's Green Index will allow investors to participate in the markets for these commodities, which are of growing importance in the global economy," said Stephen Ilnitzki, senior vice president, Bache Commodities Group.

The BCGI comprises two components - the Bache Biofuel Composite and Bache Clear Air Composite. The Bache Biofuel Composite includes agricultural commodities such as corn and sugar used for ethanol production, along with oilseeds used for biodiesel production. The Bache Biofuels Composite is allocated 65 percent to products used in ethanol production and 35 percent to oilseeds. The constituents and weights in the Bache Biofuels Composite will evolve to reflect changes in the mix of commodities used in renewable fuels.

The Bache Clean Air Composite comprises commodities directly related to reducing the effects of climate change. These include carbon emission credits and certain metals that are critical components in products such as catalytic converters that reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. The Bache Clean Air Composite is currently weighted 70 percent in carbon credits and 30 percent in greenhouse metals. These weights are based on estimates of the relative liquidity of these components. Over time, the Bache Clean Air Composite is likely to add more commodities that play a role in reducing and controlling emissions.

The BCGI has an initial allocation of 60 percent to the Bache Biofuels Composite and 40 percent in the Bache Clean Air Composite. Biofuels are given a larger initial weight in the BCGI - because biofuel markets are currently larger and more developed. As more countries adopt carbon emissions caps, the BCGI may change its weighting to reflect the increased focus on carbon and pollution control markets.

"In light of the significant investments being made in green technology and a stronger regulatory environment that will require companies to participate in cap and trade schemes around the world, we expect this market will grow rapidly," added Ilnitzki. "Following our initial focus on European markets, we expect to see growing interest in the Index in the U.S. and Asia as well as other international markets. As the demand and use of green commodities change, the index components will continue to evolve to reflect these changes."