Nasdaq launches index for Internet companies

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Nasdaq Stock Market, an exchange that typically attracts a high number of technology listings, said on Tuesday that it had launched an index to track the performance of a broad range of companies offering Internet-related services.

The Nasdaq Internet Index is designed to track the performance of companies offering such services as Internet access, Web-based searches, Web hosting, Web site design and Internet-based retail, according to a company statement.

The index is made up of Internet companies that trade on Nasdaq and other U.S. exchanges, Senior Vice President Steven Bloom said.

"It is logical for Nasdaq to extend investment opportunities through a new benchmark for this dynamic, evolving sector," Bloom added.

(Reporting by Lilla Zuill; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)