“This new index series provides a transparent tool for organizations wishing to reduce the costs and complexity involved in maintaining a long-term industrial metals exposure,” Jonathan Cooper, managing director, Middle East and Africa at FTSE said in a statement.

PIMI comprises individual series for aluminum, copper, zinc and nickel, and a benchmark index covering all four metals.

The stated aim is to supply investors with tools to hedge against future supply constraints, providing the security and reassurance of physical asset ownership.

FTSE Group launched the series in conjunction with Dubai International Financial Center Investments (DIFCI), through its subsidiary Global Commodity Finance, and Swiss-based specialist commodity advisory and investment management firm Merit Commodity Partners AG.