FTSE Group, the global index provider, has launched a new index to measure the performance of the nine UK property companies that converted to real estate investment trust (REIT) status on 1 January. The unveiling of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK REIT index coincided with a ceremony at the London Stock Exchange to mark the official advert of the UK REIT.

FTSE Group, the global index provider, has launched a new index to measure the performance of the nine UK property companies that converted to real estate investment trust (REIT) status on 1 January. The unveiling of the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK REIT index coincided with a ceremony at the London Stock Exchange to mark the official advert of the UK REIT.

FTSE said the new index will sit within the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global REITS and non-REITs index series which 'enables investors to differentiate REIT and non-REIT constituents within the EPRA/NAREIT universe according to country-specific REIT legislation'.

Dozens of real estate professionals gather at the stock exchange on Thursday as Liz Peace paid tribute to everyone who campaigned over the years for the introduction of the REIT regime in the UK. She was also accorded the honour of pressing the stock exchange button to start the third day of trading in REITs.

The nine companies in the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT UK REIT index are:

1) The British Land Company
2) Brixton
3) Great Portland Estates
4) Hammerson
5) Land Securities Group
6) Liberty International
7) Slough Estates
8) Workspace Group
9) Primary Health Properties

Click on the link for more information about the index