NASDAQ OMX Lists Compass EMP Developed 500 Enhanced Volatility Weighted Index ETF

NEW YORK, 2014-09-30 14:30 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NASDAQ OMX today announced that Compass EMP will list a new exchange traded fund, Compass EMP Developed 500 Enhanced Volatility Weighted Index ETF (Symbol: CIZ), on The NASDAQ Stock Market^® (NASDAQ^®). CIZ will begin trading on NASDAQ Wednesday, October 1, 2014.

"It's exciting to introduce an innovative international, smart beta product that seeks to outperform both traditional indexes as well as active ETFs over the long-term," said Stephen Hammers, Chief Investment Officer at Compass EMP. "Our latest ETF is focused on the largest 500 international equities, and may offer performance enhancements through fundamental criteria combined with its distinct securities volatility weighting. In addition, this ETF has the ability to liquidate 75% of the securities in the index to cash in the event of a market decline."

CIZ seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the CEMP International 500 Long/Cash Volatility Weighted Index (the "Index"). CIZ's investment objective and the Index may be changed without shareholder approval. The Index is a passive index and generally consists of the common stock of the 500 largest companies by market capitalization that have their headquarters in a developed country (excluding the U.S. and emerging markets) and the stock of which trades on an exchange in a developed country (other than the U.S. and emerging markets). The Index includes only those companies with consistent positive earnings (at least its 4 most recent quarters) and is weighted based on the volatility of each stock.

"We're pleased to welcome Compass EMP's fifth exchange traded-product (ETP) to their innovative product suite of ETPs listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market," said Walt Smith, Vice President, Head of U.S. Equities at NASDAQ OMX. "We are committed to increasing the value of our partnership by continuing to facilitate various investment opportunities across multiple asset classes."

NASDAQ OMX operates an efficient platform for successfully introducing a product suite into one of the single largest pools of liquidity, including market participants which represent a full spectrum of investors. ETF issuers benefit from an end-to-end solution that provides ongoing product support including index licensing, listings opportunities, data offerings and trading services. As the home to some of the world's most innovative ventures, NASDAQ OMX generates opportunities for issuers to access new markets and deliver new concepts that change the way the industry develops, manages and applies ETFs.

About Compass EMP:

Compass EMP was founded in 1996 and is a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC. The firm is led by David J. Moore, CFP® (Chairman), Stephen M. Hammers, CIMA® (Chief Investment Officer) and Rob Walker (President). Compass EMP is the creator of the CEMP Indexes, manages 21 total mutual funds and ETFs built upon those Indexes, and offers globally diversified investment portfolios to institutions, financial advisors and their clients. Further information is available at www.CEMPIndex.com and www.CompassEMPFunds.com.

About NASDAQ OMX:

NASDAQ OMX (Nasdaq:NDAQ) is a leading provider of trading, exchange technology, information and public company services across six continents. Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, NASDAQ OMX enables customers to plan, optimize and execute their business vision with confidence, using proven technologies that provide transparency and insight for navigating today's global capital markets. As the creator of the world's first electronic stock market, its technology powers more than 70 marketplaces in 50 countries, and 1 in 10 of the world's securities transactions. NASDAQ OMX is home to more than 3,400 listed companies with a market value of over $8.5 trillion and more than 10,000 corporate clients. To learn more, visit www.nasdaqomx.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that are made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about NASDAQ OMX and its products and offerings. We caution that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond NASDAQ OMX's control. These factors include, but are not limited to factors detailed in NASDAQ OMX's annual report on Form 10-K, and periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements.

Nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice from NASDAQ OMX, either on behalf of a particular financial product or an overall investment strategy. NASDAQ OMX makes no recommendation to buy or sell any financial product or any representation about the financial condition of any company or fund. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate financial products before investing. ADVICE FROM A SECURITIES PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED.

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         CONTACT: Compass EMP Media Contact:
         Milin Iyer
         +1 (703) 894-1042
         MIyer@SunstarStrategic.com
         
         NASDAQ OMX Media Contact:
         Alexa Sugrue
         +1 (212) 231-5552 (office)
         +1 (646) 577-3157 (mobile)
         Alexa.Sugrue@NASDAQOMX.com