Russell Indexes

Russell Index alerts Russell Developed Europe Index YTD market returns: One of the PIIGS got away May 17, 2012 Performance for country constituents of the Russell Developed Europe Index through May 14th, 2012: Ireland leads all country constituents within the Russell Developed Europe Index for 2012 as of May 14th, with a 13.3% return, followed by Germany (10.1%) and the United Kingdom (7.4%). Ireland is a very notable standout in year-to-date performance among the so-called "PIIGS" of Europe, or Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. The rest of the PIIGS have seen the weakest returns year-to-date within the Index, with Portugal at (-5.2%), followed by Italy (-7.3%), Greece (-8.7%) and Spain the worst performer at (-18.4%). Within the Ireland constituent of the Russell Developed Europe Index, the Technology sector has led all sectors year-to-date with a 99.1% return, followed by the Consumer Discretionary (22.1%) and Consumer Staples (21.4%) sectors. "Amidst all the anxiety over the future of Greece, Ireland has emerged as a bright spot among the PIIGS thus far in 2012," said Russell indexes senior research director Tom Goodwin. "A key driver for Ireland's equity market in 2012 has been technology stocks, as illustrated by the performance of its Technology sector year-to-date within the Index." Russell Developed Europe Index – 2012 YTD market performance (a/o May 14th) Russell Developed Europe Index Constituent YTD-2012 Austria 7.2% Switzerland 4.0% Germany 10.1% Spain -18.4% Finland 3.2% France 0.6% United Kingdom 7.4% Greece -8.7% Eire 13.3% Italy -7.3% Luxembourg -2.6% Netherlands -2.0% Norway 6.2% Portugal -5.2% Sweden 5.5% Russell Developed Europe Index, Ireland – 2012 YTD sector performance (a/o May 14th) Ireland Sector YTD Performance as of May 14th Technology 99.2% Financial Services 10.1% Health Care -3.3% Consumer Discretionary 22.1% Consumer Staples 21.4% Energy 3.8% Materials & Processing 0.2% Producer Durables 11.0% Source: Russell Investments Returns were not included for Denmark, Iceland and Belgium due to these markets containing a limited number of constituents and not meeting reporting requirements. Opinions expressed by Mr. Goodwin reflect market performance and observations as of May 14, 2012 and are subject to change at anytime based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. Index returns presented are euro-denominated. CORP-7631 Russell Greater China Index: Spring slowdown May 17, 2012 After getting off to a strong start in 2012, with returns of 10.1% for January and 7.9% for February, the Russell Greater China Index has seen a Spring slowdown, returning (-4.8%) in March, (-0.3%) in April and is off (-5.8%) for May month-to-date as of May 14th. Despite the negative performance in recent months, the Index is still positive year-to-date, with a 6.4% return. Year-to-date as of May 14th within the Russell Greater China Index, the lead sector performers are Technology (13.1%), Healthcare (8.0%) and Consumer Discretionary (7.6%). Within the Index, for May month-to-date as of May 14th, the Energy sector (-10.5%) is off the most, followed by the Consumer Discretionary (-7.4%) and Producer Durables (-7.0%) sectors. Interestingly, Europe has seen a similar Spring slowdown as demonstrated by the Russell Developed Europe Index, with the broad index showing negative returns in March, April and May month-to-date with all sectors negative so far in May. "As shown by the Russell Greater China Index, stocks in the Greater China region — Hong Kong, China-H and Taiwan — have taken a breather after a strong run in the early part of the year," said Sarah Lien, Asia-based senior research analyst for Russell Investments. "There appear to be mixed signals in this market: positive developments in terms of property values yet the Chinese government's lowered growth target cannot be ignored. Europe, too, has followed a similar pattern as macro concerns have heightened over the last few months to expunge some of the early gains. It appears that macro headwinds continue to weigh upon both markets." Russell Greater China Index returns Russell Index / Index Sector Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May MTD -a/o 5/14 YTD-2012 Greater China Index 10.1% 7.9% -4.8% -0.3% -5.8% 6.4% Technology 12.8% 8.5% 0.5% -4.5% -3.7% 13.1% Financial Services 12.3% 8.0% -9.1% 2.8% -6.6% 5.8% Utilities 0.3% 4.5% -0.3% 0.9% -1.3% 3.9% Health Care 7.4% 8.2% -0.2% -3.1% -3.9% 8.0% Consumer Discretionary 8.6% 11.0% -3.8% 0.1% -7.4% 7.6% Consumer Staples 1.3% 4.3% 0.8% 1.8% -2.4% 5.9% Energy 12.9% 5.3% -8.4% 2.8% -10.5% 0.2% Materials & Processing 9.8% 10.2% -7.6% -3.3% -6.4% 1.2% Producer Durables 10.7% 8.6% -4.5% -1.3% -7.0% 5.4% Russell Developed Europe Index returns Russell Index / Index Sector Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May MTD -a/o 5/14 YTD-2012 Developed Europe Index 5.4% 6.6% -0.6% -1.9% -6.3% 2.7% Technology 7.2% 10.2% 2.6% -4.2% -6.7% 8.3% Financial Services 10.1% 7.5% -0.8% -6.2% -7.3% 2.0% Utilities -0.7% 3.5% 0.2% -4.0% -3.1% -4.2% Health Care -0.5% 3.7% 1.8% 1.9% -4.1% 2.7% Consumer Discretionary 10.6% 7.9% 0.6% -0.9% -6.2% 11.7% Consumer Staples -1.1% 7.2% 2.3% 1.0% -3.1% 6.1% Energy 2.7% 7.0% -4.8% -1.0 -8.8% -5.5% Materials & Processing 11.4% 6.4% -3.4% -0.4% -9.4% 3.3% Producer Durables 8.3% 7.6% -0.6% -1.9% -7.5% 5.2% Source: Russell Investments Opinions expressed by Ms. Lien reflect market performance and observations as of May 14th, 2012 and are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. CORP-7630 Russell 3000® Index keeps up with the speed of technology Quarterly IPO process ensures eligible tech stocks are included within four months May 16, 2012 The Technology sector of the Russell 3000 Index, which returned 11.6% year-to-date as of May 15th, includes many of the well-publicized technology Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of the past year. Through Russell's transparent methodology, companies such as LinkedIn, Pandora, Groupon and Zynga were added to their respective Russell Index family cap-tier as of April 2012. The Russell Indexes' rules-based methodologies seek to identify and include eligible IPOs worldwide on a quarterly basis to comprehensively and objectively measure the investible equity universe. Russell's systematic IPO process, added to the Russell Index methodology in 2004, allows for the Russell Indexes to precisely reflect the returns of technology companies as they go public, within four months of their IPOs. In the last year, Russell has added 23 technology IPOs during reconstitution and the quarterly IPO additions. While the first, third and fourth quarter IPOs are added to the Russell Indexes around the last day of the last month in the quarter, second quarter IPOs are added to the Russell Indexes at the annual Russell Index reconstitution in June. Eligible technology companies that have gone public between March 1, 2012 and May 31, 2012 will be added during the reconstitution process completed June 22, 2012. Russell Indexes draws on Russell's unique insight into global capital markets and multi-asset portfolio construction and implementation to design benchmarks that offer exposure to the true performance of different segments and asset classes of the market. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index, IPOs must be priced and traded by the final trading day of the last month in the quarter. Each potential addition must also have a larger total market capitalization than the market-adjusted smallest company in the Russell 3000 Index as of the latest June reconstitution, which is currently $130 million. Assuming all eligibility requirements are met, IPOs will then be placed in the appropriate Russell market capitalization-based index. Recent Russell 3000 Index Technology IPOs Second Quarter 2011 (Reconstitution) Third Quarter 2011 Fourth Quarter 2011 First Quarter 2012 Active Network Cornerstone   OnDemand Ellie Mae Friendfinder   Networks LinkedIn Responsys Freescale   Semiconductor Bankrate Carbonite Homeaway Pandora Media Zillow Angies List Groupon Imperva Ubiquiti Networks AVG Techologies Bazaarvoice BrightCove FX Alliance Guidewire   Software Jive Software Zynga CORP-7618 Russell Developed Europe Index: Markets fall in wake of European elections May 10, 2012 The UK, France and Greece within the Russell Developed Europe Index all experienced losses in the two trading days following their respective elections this month. And year-to-date as of May 8th, country constituents within the Russell Developed Europe Index have demonstrated a wide range of performances, ranging from 13.3% for Ireland to -16.1% for Spain. Performance for country constituents of the Russell Developed Europe Index through May 8th, 2012: The United Kingdom, where the Conservative Party suffered heavy losses in local elections, lost -2.9% in the two trading days since the Thursday election* according to the Russell Developed Europe Index. However, year to date as of May 8th the UK country constituent within the Index returned 7.5%, nearly four percent above the Russell Developed Europe Index for the same time period. France, which has elected a new president Francois Holland, lost -0.9% in the two trading days since the Sunday election results according to the Russell Developed Europe Index. Year to date as of May 8th the France country constituent within the Index returned 2.0%, nearly three percentage points below the Russell Developed Europe Index. Greece, where parliamentary elections last weekend were met with political protests and instability, lost -9.6% in the two trading days since the Sunday election according to the Russell Developed Europe Index. To date this year as of May 8th, the Greece country constituent within the Index returned -3.5%, more than eight percentage points below the Russell Developed Europe Index. "The European-wide revolt against austerity is likely to see some compromise extracted from Germany and the like-minded core. However, we do not know whether the compromises will be helpful or harmful or just mere gestures to keep the project from falling over" said Russell Europe’s head of capital markets John Velis. "While meteorological indications in London suggest otherwise, we will probably be in for another hot summer in the markets as the results of these European elections and follow-up political events reveal themselves. Add in the question mark around yet another possible stumble in the US and it is hard to get excited about the risk trade." Russell Developed Europe Index country returns - 2012 YTD Russell Index/Country 2012 returns a/o May 8, 2012 Russell Developed Europe Index 4.9% Germany 10.2% Ireland 13.3% Austria 12.9% Sweden 8.1% Norway 6.7% United Kingdom 7.5% Finland 5.6% Greece -3.5% Switzerland 6.1% France 2.0% Luxembourg -0.9% Netherlands -1.5% Italy -5.4% Portugal -3.2% Spain -16.1% Source: Russell Investments. * Equity markets were closed in the UK on Monday 7th May due to a bank holiday Returns were not included for Denmark, Iceland and Belgium due to these markets containing a limited number of constituents and not meeting reporting requirements. Opinions expressed by Mr. Velis reflect market performance and observations as of May 8, 2012 and are subject to change at anytime based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. Index returns presented are euro-denominated. CORP-7616 Asian Defensive & Dynamic stocks performed equally for 2012 year-to-date as measured by the Russell Asia Pacific Defensive & Dynamic Indexes as of 5/7 May 10, 2012 The Russell Asia Pacific Index returned 7.3% for the year-to-date as of May 7th, with equal performance to the Russell Asia Pacific Dynamic Index (7.3%) and the Russell Asia Pacific Defensive Index (7.3%) for the same time period. Year-to-date performance tells a different story from the first quarter of 2012, in which the Russell Asia Pacific Index returned 9.4%, with the Russell Asia Pacific Dynamic Index (11.6%) outperforming the Russell Asia Pacific Defensive Index (6.7%). "The market seems to have shifted towards more of a risk-off mode as reflected by recent Russell Asia-Pacific Index returns," said Sarah Lien, Asia-based senior research analyst for Russell Investments. "Dynamic stocks have pulled back quite a bit relative to Defensive stocks when comparing first quarter to 2012 YTD performance. Despite the signs pointing to a risk-off environment, the spread between Dynamic and Defensive stocks is currently non-existent, and it is unclear how the rest of the year will unfold given that factor trends have not been persistent." Russell Asia Pacific Index Returns Russell Index First Qtr 2012 Returns 2012 YTD Returns a/o May 7, 2012 Russell Asia Pacific Index 9.4% 7.3% Russell Asia Pacific Dynamic Index 11.6% 7.3% Russell Asia Pacific Defensive Index 6.7% 7.3% Source: Russell Investments. Opinions expressed by Ms. Lien reflect market performance and observations as of May 7th, 2012 and are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. CORP-7613 Russell 1000 & Russell 2000 Indexes: U.S. large caps outperformed small caps, Financial Services, Consumer Discretionary & Technology sectors led YTD & Energy sector lagged YTD & MTD as of 5/8 May 9, 2012 The U.S. Large Cap Russell 1000® Index returned 9.5% year-to-date as of May 8th, as the Financial Services (15.7%) and Technology (14.8%) sectors outperformed all other sectors. Alternatively, the Energy sector performed worst within the index, with a -1.8% return YTD and a -4.5% return thus far in May as of May 8th. The U.S. Small Cap Russell 2000® Index returned 7.5% year-to-date as of May 8th, driven by strong performances in the Consumer Discretionary (11.2%) and Financial Services (11.0%) sectors. The Energy sector also performed worst within the index, with a -3.0% return YTD and a -7.4% return thus far in May as of May 8th. Both Indexes reflect losses for May as all sectors had negative returns through May 8, 2012. According to Tom Goodwin, senior research director for Russell Indexes, "Despite recent global market volatility, U.S. Large caps, especially technology and financials, have benefited from strong corporate earnings and a growing economy, albeit slow growing, thus far in 2012." Russell 1000 & Russell 2000 Index returns Russell Index May MTD a/o May 8, 2012 YTD 2012 a/o May 8, 2012 Russell 1000 -2.5% 9.5% Russell 2000 -2.9% 7.5% Russell 1000 Index sectors May MTD a/o May 8, 2012 YTD 2012 a/o May 8, 2012 Financial Services -2.2% 15.7% Technology -3.6% 14.8% Consumer Discretionary -2.9% 13.3% Producer Durables -2.5% 8.3% Materials & Processing -3.3% 8.1% Health Care -0.9% 8.9% Consumer Staples -0.4% 6.0% Utilities -0.3% 2.9% Energy -4.5% -1.8% Russell 2000 Index sectors May MTD a/o May 8, 2012 YTD 2012 a/o May 8, 2012 Consumer Discretionary -4.2% 11.2% Health Care -2.1% 10.6% Financial Services -0.6% 11.0% Materials & Processing -3.6% 6.9% Producer Durables -2.9% 6.7% Technology -4.8% 4.6% Consumer Staples -0.5% 5.7% Energy -7.4% -3.0% Utilities -1.3% -3.2% Source: Russell Investments. Opinions expressed by Mr. Goodwin reflect market performance and observations as of May 8, 2012 and are subject to change at anytime based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. CORP-7612 Russell Frontier & Emerging Markets Indexes: Vietnam, Pakistan, Egypt & Turkey strong performers year-to-date as of April 30th May 3, 2012 The Russell Frontier Index returned 5.7% year-to-date as of April 30, 2012, while the Russell Emerging Markets Index returned 13.2% for the same time period. Both indexes are positive year-to-date after exhibiting negative performance in 2011. Within the Russell Frontier Index, after 2011 when all but one country constituent had negative performance, 75% of countries had positive performance year-to-date as of April 30, with Vietnam, Pakistan and Kenya leading. Within the Russell Emerging Markets Index, after 2011 when more than 85% of country constituents had negative performance, more than 90% of countries had positive performance year-to-date as of April 30, with Egypt, Turkey and Thailand leading. "The positive returns we’ve witnessed this year across many of the emerging and frontier markets is a marked change from last year," said Sarah Lien, Senior Research Analyst for Russell Investments. "Vietnam, for instance, was one of 2011's worst performers but has rebounded very strongly year-to-date. Egypt and Turkey have also posted strong returns in 2012 after geo-political concerns appear to have weighed on these stock markets last year." Russell Index returns Russell Index 2012 YTD Returns a/o Apr 30, 2012 2011 returns Russell Frontier Index 5.7% -20.7% Russell Emerging Markets Index 13.2% -19.2% Russell Frontier Index country returns Russell Frontier Index Country 2012 YTD Returns a/o Apr 30, 2012 2011 returns Vietnam 35.1% -31.8% Pakistan 24.2% -12.0% Kenya 21.4% -29.5% Nigeria 16.1% -26.1% Ukraine 12.5% -41.7% Qatar 6.8% 7.2% Oman 5.3% -10.8% Tunisia 4.3% -11.5% Kuwait 1.2% -12.9% Bangladesh -1.6% -41.8% Sri Lanka -16.5% -25.2% Argentina -16.9% -25.9% Russell Emerging Markets Index country returns Russell Emerging Markets Index Country 2012 YTD Returns a/o Apr 30, 2012 2011 returns Egypt 35.2% -45.3% Turkey 27.1% -35.1% Thailand 26.9% -4.7% Philippines 26.3% 2.9% Columbia 22.7% -12.8% United Arab Emirates (UAE) 22.3% -15.5% Peru 18.9% -13.7% Chile 18.4% -22.3% Poland 16.3% -30.4% Mexico 15.4% -13.2% India 15.2% -37.6% Russia 14.8% -20.5% China 13.9% -20.8% Korea 13.6% -11.0% South Africa 12.8% -14.4% Greece 10.7% -56.7% Taiwan 10.5% -22.2% Malaysia 8.6% 0.9% Brazil 7.8% -20.1% Indonesia 6.6% 4.4% Portugal -1.8% -27.5% Morocco -4.0% -14.5% Source: Russell Investments. Opinions expressed by Ms. Lien reflect market performance and observations as of April 30th, 2012 and are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. Within the Russell Emerging Markets Index, individual performance for Israel, Hungary and the Czech Republic are not reportable due to a limited number of constituents. Within the Russell Frontier Markets Index, individual performance for Zambia, Trinidad & Tobago, Tanzania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Malta, Macedonia, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Jamaica, Ghana, Gabon, Estonia, Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, Botswana and Bahrain are not reportable due to a limited number of constituents. CORP-7596 Russell Developed Europe Index: Approaching European elections & market performance May 2, 2012 Country constituents within the Russell Developed Europe Index have demonstrated a wide range of performances year-to-date as of April 30th, stretching from 20.0% for Denmark to (-16.5%) for Spain, as elections approach later this week in France, Greece and the United Kingdom. Year-to-date performance for the constituents of the Russell Developed Europe Index through April 30th, 2012: The United Kingdom, where the London Mayoral, local government and other elections are being held on Thursday, returned 9.6% year-to-date as of April 30th, more than two percent above the Russell Developed Europe Index for the same time period. France, which will see the second and final round of the presidential election this weekend, returned 4.2% year-to-date as of April 30th, more than three percentage points below the Russell Developed Europe Index for the same time period. Greece, which is preparing for parliamentary elections this weekend, returned 8.6% year-to-date as of April 30th, more than a percentage point above the Russell Developed Europe Index for the same time period. "Despite attempts by the ECB to solve problems within the Eurozone, concerns still remain over countries such as Spain and Portugal and even the UK as it slipped back into recession as governments' struggle to strike a balance between austerity and producing economic growth," said James Barber, portfolio manager at Russell Investments. "With markets in the UK, Greece and France up to date this year, we will watch with interest to see how they respond to the election results or whether this has already been priced in. The various political and economic pressures on markets lead to such volatility and uncertainty that investors may benefit from multi asset portfolios using a range of asset classes and strategies." Russell Developed Europe Index country returns – 2012 YTD Russell Index / Country 2012 Returns (a/o Apr 30, 2012) Russell Developed Europe Index 7.5%   Denmark 20.0%   Germany 15.4%   Ireland 15.3%   Austria 14.6%   Belgium 14.0%   Sweden 11.9%   Norway 11.6%   United Kingdom 9.6%   Finland 9.2%   Greece 8.6%   Switzerland 8.5%   France 4.2%   Luxembourg 3.3%   Iceland 2.2%   Netherlands 1.0%   Italy -1.2%   Portugal -3.7%   Spain -16.5% Source: Russell Investments. Investments that are allocated across multiple types of securities may be exposed to a variety of risks based on the asset classes, investment styles market sectors, and size of companies preferred by the investment managers. Investors should consider how the combined risks impact their total investment portfolio and understand that different risks can lead to varying financial consequences, including loss of principal. Diversification does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Opinions expressed by Mr. Barber reflect market performance and observations as of April 30, 2012 and are subject to change at anytime based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. Index returns presented are euro-denominated. CORP-7590 Russell 3000 & Russell Developed Europe Indexes: Technology & Financial Service sectors show strongest losses in April; Utilities diverge May 1, 2012 The Russell 3000®: Index returned -0.7% in April, but is still up 12.1% year-to-date as of April 30th. The Russell Developed Europe Index was also down in April, with a -1.9% return, and is still up 9.6% year-to-date as or April 30th. Within both Indexes, the Technology & Financial Services sectors had the weakest performance in April. Within the Russell 3000 Index, the Utilities sector had the strongest performance for the month of April, with a 2.9% return. Conversely, within the Russell Developed Europe Index, Utilities was one of the weakest sectors for the month of April, with a -4.0% return. According to Tom Goodwin, senior research director for Russell Indexes, "We've seen elevated uncertainty in the European markets in recent weeks driven by political events, as is illustrated by performance of the indexes. This uncertainty in European markets may continue this week. Today, we saw very large May Day rallies, but the largest market concern appears to be the outcome of the French election on Sunday." Russell Index / Sector YTD 2012 (a/o Apr 30) Jan '12 Feb '12 Mar '12 Apr '12 Russell 3000 Index 12.1% 5.0% 4.2% 3.1% -0.7%   Technology 18.5% 8.5% 6.8% 5.0% -2.6%   Financial Services 17.6% 7.1% 4.6% 6.3% -1.3%   Utilities 2.9% -3.0% 1.9% 1.2% 2.9%   Health Care 10.2% 4.1% 1.7% 4.2% -0.1%   Consumer Discretionary 16.6% 6.1% 4.9% 4.2% 0.6%   Consumer Staples 6.5% -1.6% 4.5% 3.0% 0.5%   Energy 3.0% 1.6% 6.0% -3.4% -1.0%   Materials & Processing 11.7% 11.3% 0.4% 0.9% -1.0%   Producer Durables 11.0% 7.6% 2.7% 1.4% -0.9% Russell Index / Sector YTD 2012 (a/o Apr 30) Jan '12 Feb '12 Mar '12 Apr '12 Russell Developed Europe Index 9.6% 5.4% 6.6% -0.6% -1.9%   Technology 16.1% 7.2% 10.2% 2.6% -4.2%   Financial Services 10.0% 10.1% 7.5% -0.8% -6.2%   Utilities -1.1% -0.7% 3.5% 0.2% -4.0%   Health Care 7.1% -0.5% 3.7% 1.8% 1.9%   Consumer Discretionary 19.1% 10.6% 7.9% 0.6% -0.9%   Consumer Staples 9.5% -1.1% 7.2% 2.3% 1.0%   Energy 3.6% 2.7% 7.0% -4.8% -1.0%   Materials & Processing 14.1% 11.4% 6.4% -3.4% -0.4%   Producer Durables 13.6% 8.3% 7.6% -0.6% -1.9% Source: Russell Investments. Opinions expressed by Mr. Goodwin reflect market performance and observations as of May 1, 2012 and are subject to change at anytime based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. CORP-7588 Russell France Index: Round one goes to... April 27, 2012 Conventional wisdom suggests that stock markets signal their approval or disapproval of political candidates or parties. However, French equity market returns in the days following round one of France's presidential election in recent years indicate that people should be careful drawing any political predictions from market performance: In the three trading days following last weekend’s first round of the French presidential election identifying Francois Hollande and incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy as front runners, the Russell France Index has returned 1.6%, adding to a 2.7% year-to-date performance as of April 20th and outperforming the Russell Developed Europe Index (-0.1%) for this same three day time period. In the previous French presidential election of 2007, in the three trading days after the first round, identifying Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal as front runners, the Russell France Index also saw positive performance, returning 0.1%, adding to a 7.7% year-to-date performance as of April 20th. Sarkozy was eventually elected in the second round. Conversely, in the three trading days after the first round of the 2002 French presidential election, which identified Jacques Chirac and Jean-Marie Le Pen as front runners, the Russell France Index saw negative performance, returning -2.0%, adding to a -0.4% year-to-date performance as of April 19th. Chirac was eventually elected in the second round. 2012 Index Returns April 23-25 YTD as of Apr 20 Russell France Index 1.6% 2.7% Russell Developed Europe Index -0.1% 7.1% 2007 Index Returns April 23-25 YTD as of Apr 20 Russell France Index 0.1% 7.7% Russell Developed Europe Index -0.2% 7.7% 2002 Index Returns April 22-24 YTD as of Apr 19 Russell France Index -2.0% -0.4% Russell Developed Europe Index -1.3% 1.3% Source: Russell Investments. Index returns presented are euro-denominated. CORP-7572 The Russell 3000 Index: Technology, Financial Services & Consumer Discretionary sectors show strongest gains in first quarter April 26, 2012 The Russell 3000® Index returned 12.8% in the first quarter, with Technology (21.6%), Financial Services (19.1%) and Consumer Discretionary (16.0%) the strongest performing sectors for the quarter. Within the Index, the Materials & Processing (12.8%) and Producer Durables (12.0%) sectors also had strong relative performance in the first quarter. The Russell 3000 Index and its sectors have had positive performance across the board for the last two quarters, reversing the negative performance demonstrated by the index and all sectors for the third quarter of last year. Russell Index / Sector 2Q 2011 3Q 2011 4Q 2011 1Q 2012 Russell 3000 Index -0.3% -15.3% 12.1% 12.8%   Consumer Discretionary 3.5% -14.4% 12.5% 16.0%   Consumer Staples 5.6% -4.6% 9.4% 5.9%   Energy -5.2% -21.7% 18.6% 4.0%   Financial Services -4.4% -20.8% 12.0% 19.1%   Health Care 6.8% -11.4% 9.9% 10.3%   Materials & Processing -0.9% -24.4% 16.7% 12.8%   Producer Durables -1.2% -21.9% 16.3% 12.0%   Technology -1.9% -9.8% 8.6% 21.6%   Utilities 4.2% -4.5% 8.0% 0.0% Source: Russell Investments. CORP-7573 The Russell Asia Pacific Index returned 10.3% YTD as of April 20, with the Philippines, Thailand & Singapore leading countries within the Index April 26, 2012 The Russell Asia Pacific Index returned 10.3% year-to-date as of April 20, 2012, with performance almost even across small cap & large cap stocks within the index. This year-to-date performance represents an about face from 2011, where the Russell Asia Pacific Index had negative performance across all cap tiers, with the Russell Asia Pacific Small Cap Index having the worst performance with a (-16.3%) return for the year. Within the Index, the Philippines (23.5%) led all individual country returns for this time period, followed by Thailand, Singapore and India. Japan (6.2%) had the lowest return for this time period, followed by Indonesia and Malaysia. Within the Index, Financial Services (13.7%) led all sectors for this time period, followed by the Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors. The Utilities sector (3.8%) had the lowest return for this time period, followed by the Healthcare and Materials & Processing sectors. "It's nice to see that all Asian markets within the Russell Asia Pacific Index are positive year-to-date," said Sarah Lien, Senior Research Analyst for Russell Investments. "While there has been little differentiation across capitalization lines, sector and country dispersion is material. Defensive areas like Utilities and Healthcare are the clear laggards sector-wise; from a country angle, some of the southeast Asian markets are leading the way." Russell Asia Pacific Index returns Russell Index 2012 YTD Returns as of 4/20/12 2011 returns Russell Asia Pacific Index 10.3% -15.0% Russell Asia Pacific Small Cap Index 10.6% -16.3% Russell Asia Pacific Large Cap Index 10.3% -14.8% Russell Asia Pacific Index country returns Russell Asia Pacific Index Country 2012 YTD Returns as of 4/20/12 2011 returns Philippines 23.5% 2.9% Thailand 22.2% -4.7% Singapore 19.1% -16.4% India 17.6% -37.6% Hong Kong 14.4% -18.5% China 13.9% -20.8% New Zealand 13.8% 4.5% Korea 11.4% -11.0% Australia 11.1% -10.2% Taiwan 9.8% -22.2% Malaysia 8.2% 0.9% Indonesia 6.9% 4.4% Japan 6.2% -12.5% Russell Asia Pacific Index sector returns Russell Asia Pacific Index Sector 2012 YTD Returns as of 4/20/12 2011 returns Financial Services 13.7% -17.0% Technology 12.9% -20.2% Consumer Discretionary 11.6% -9.4% Energy 10.7% -19.2% Producer Durables 9.6% -15.8% Consumer Staples 9.0% 3.1% Materials & Processing 6.4% -22.0% Healthcare 4.1% -6.8% Utilities 3.8% -7.5% Source: Russell Investments. Opinions expressed by Ms. Lien reflect market performance and observations as of April 20th, 2012 and are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions without notice. Please remember that past performance does not guarantee future performance. CORP-7567 Russell Global Index The Russell Global Index measures the performance of the global equity market based on all investable equity securities, and is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the global segment. The index includes more than 10,000 securities in 48 countries, and covers 98% of the investable global market. All securities in the Russell Global Index are classified according to size, region, country and sector; as a result the index can be segmented into more than 300 distinct benchmarks. Access further information and daily returns for the main components of the Russell Global Index. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance, and are not indicative of any specific investment. Russell's publication of the Indexes or Index constituents in no way suggests or implies a representation or opinion by Russell as to the attractiveness of investing in a particular security. Inclusion of a security in an Index is not a promotion, sponsorship or endorsement of a security by Russell and Russell makes no representation, warranty or guarantee with respect to the performance of any security included in a Russell Index. Index returns in this piece are based on USD. This is not an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to purchase any security or the services of any organization. Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax, and investment advice from a licensed professional. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. Russell Investments reserves the right at any time and without notice to change, amend, or cease publishing the information. It has been prepared solely for informative purposes. It is made available on an "as is" basis. Russell Investments does not make any warranty or representation regarding the information. Without prior written permission from Russell Investments, it may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form, other than for your own personal, non-commercial use. Russell Investment Group is a Washington, USA corporation, which operates through subsidiaries worldwide, including Russell Investments, and is a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.			Contact newsroom@russell.com (206) 505-1858 Subscribe to Index Alerts RSS   Russell Global Index 10,000+ securities 48 countries 98% of the investable global market. All securities classified by size, region, country and sector Global Index daily returns Printer friendly version of this page

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