On June 13,
Echo Therapeutics
(
ECTE
), a transdermal medical device company, announced that it
anticipates being included in the Russell Microcap Index.
It expects the inclusion on June 25, 2012, when Russell
Investments rebalances its set of U.S. indexes. This assumption is
based on a preliminary list of additions posted by Russell on June
8, 2012.
Management is enthusiastic about this opportunity as it . The
inclusion in the Russell Microcap Index is expected to enhance
awareness of the company to a larger number of institutions and
investors by increasing the visibility and volume trading of the
stock. It will mark a keystone as the Russell Microcap Index is an
important weighted index that examines trends in relatively smaller
companies. This should also enhance Echo's shareholder base. The
annual recalculation of the Index can be relied upon to avoid any
distortion in presenting the performance of Echo Therapeutics.
The Russell Microcap Index is well regarded and proactively used
by investment managers as well as institutional investors. It
serves as a benchmark for all investment strategies with assets
worth $3.9 trillion in the institutional marketplace. The index
covers almost 98% of the global investable market across 83
countries for more than 10,000 securities.
Membership in the Russell Microcap Index for its equity indexes
depends on the market capitalization, objectives and style
attributes of the company. This membership lasts for one year and
implies inclusion in the appropriate growth and value style
indexes.
The annual reconstitution of the Russell Indexes covers the
largest 4000 stocks in the U.S. as of the end of May. The stocks
are ranked according to the total market capitalization to create
the Russell 3000 index and Russell Microcap Index.
Echo Therapeutics specializes in the production of medical
devices with advanced skin permeation technology. Its
competitors such as
Abbott Laboratories
(
ABT
) and
DexCom Inc.
(
DXCM
) are already a part of the family of Russell Indexes, being listed
on the Russell 1000 Index and Russell 2000 Index respectively.
The stock currently retains a Zacks #4 Rank, which translates
into a short-term Sell rating.
ABBOTT LABS (ABT): Free Stock Analysis Report
DEXCOM INC (DXCM): Free Stock Analysis Report
ECHO THERAPEUT (ECTE): Free Stock Analysis
Report
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