The International Securities Market Association (ISMA), working with Benelux-based Fortis Bank, has launched daily sector indices for the fixed income market on its Web site.
The indices, which cover corporate, Euro denominated and international credit, are compiled daily by Fortis Bank and include the features of international bond issues taken from Isma's Cupid service and end of day prices derived from member firms and Isma's Trax trade reporting system.
The spread over the swap curve is then calculated for eight industry sectors, further split down by duration and ratings to give a unique picture of relative value in the international corporate debt market.
Investors can also consult matrix pricing on the Isma site which gives a view on credit risk for all sectors by rating, duration and currency.
In future the indices will be extended to cover USD and GBP denominated international debt, say the partners.