FTSE International today unveiled a blue-chip euroland index that will...

FTSE International today unveiled a blue-chip euroland index that will compete with Dow Jones STOXX’s Euro 50 index. The "FTSE E-Stars’’ index contains 29 of the largest and most liquid stocks that are traded on all of the various euroland indexes. Futures and options on the new index on both Amsterdam exchanges will be available from today and on the LIFFE from June 29. The new index is geared both toward money managers that are dipping their toes into European derivative trading, and toward retail fund offerings. Mark Makepeace, managing director for FTSE International, said the E-Stars index provides the "same result at a lower cost’’ than the Dow Jones STOXX 50 index. The STOXX index has become the dominant retail euroland index, according to a recent survey by Goldman Sachs.