Merrill Lynch, a leading U.S. investment bank, has launched a new index, the ML LifeStyle Index, to track stocks associated with global luxury and lifestyle brands, said the company on Friday.

At least 15 and at most 50 stocks will be included in the index, which is currently composed of the maximum number of stocks, and includes companies such as Christian Dior, Bulgari, Harley- Davidson and Royal Caribbean Cruises.

The number of individual constituent stocks may be changed during biannual reviews, which will be conducted on the first trading day of February and of August.

The index is the first tradable certificate built to cover the sector, incorporating stocks selected from a wide range of developed market sectors, including automobiles, wines, jewellery, high fashion and high net worth individuals'financial service providers.

Source: Xinhua