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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