The International Securities Exchange (ISE) has launched a new specialized sector index option for nanotechnology, the ISE-CCM Nanotechnology Index (Ticker: TNY).

Announcing the new index and another in alternative energy, ISE's Chief Marketing Officer, Bruce D. Goldberg, said, "The new ISE-CCM Indexes offer investors an opportunity to gain exposure to the up and coming investment sectors of nanotechnology and alternative energy."

Michael Soni, President and CEO of Cronus Capital Markets (CMM), co-developer of the index, stated that with the new index, "Investors will have a direct avenue in which to track and participate in the growth of this new and important sector."

According to ISE, "The ISE-CCM Nanotechnology Index includes companies involved in the science and technology of building electronic circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules. Applications involve the intended ability to manipulate materials to fundamentally improve processes, materials, and devices on an 'atomic' scale."

"The fields of biotechnology, chemistry, physics, information technology, engineering, and manufacturing are all actively studying nanotechnology. The index includes some of the largest, most liquid, and most mature companies within this sector."

The index currently consists of 16 companies including Accelrys, Arrowhead, Nanophase, Symyx and Nanogen.