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Updated Tuesday, December 28, 2010 10:01 pm TWN, AFP

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Shariah-stock index for Muslims launches in India

MUMBAI--India's Bombay Stock Exchange launched a share index of Shariah-compliant companies on Monday in an attempt to open stock trading to more Muslims.

The BSE TASIS Shariah 50 consists of the largest and most liquid Shariah-compliant stocks within the BSE 500 index.

All the companies have been vetted to ensure they comply with Islamic law, which does not allow investors to put money into firms that benefit from interest or the sale of sinful goods such as alcohol, tobacco or firearms.

The managing director and chief executive of the Bombay Stock Exchange, Madhu Kannan, said the index would attract Islamic and other “socially responsible” investors both in India and overseas.

“This index will create increased awareness of financial investments among the masses and help enhance financial inclusion,” he said in a statement.

“The index will also build a base for licensing for the construction of Shariah-compliant financial products, including mutual funds, ETFs (exchange traded funds) and structured products.”

Several studies have found that the majority of India's 160 million Muslims have been excluded from the country's formal financial sector due to the restrictions imposed by Islamic law.

Companies included in the index have been screened by Taqwaa Advisory and Shariah Investment Solutions (TASIS), an Indian Islamic finance company based in Mumbai, whose board members include Islamic scholars and legal experts.

TASIS said the index would “unlock the potential for Shariah investments in India”.

“Bombay Stock Exchange has the largest number of listed Shariah-compliant stocks in the world,” said Shariq Nisar, director of research and operations at TASIS.

“All Muslim countries of the Middle East and Pakistan put together do not have as many listed Shariah-compliant stocks as are available on the BSE.”

Stocks will be reviewed every month to ensure continued compliance. Any stocks that do not meet the criteria will be removed.

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