BSE Index Services has launched the BSE Housing Finance Index, a new sectoral benchmark aimed at capturing the performance of companies in the housing finance sector. The index, which has a base value of 1,000 and a base date of June 22, 2015, will be reconstituted semi-annually in June and December. It includes 11 constituents, with LIC Housing Finance carrying the highest weight of 17.16%. This index is designed to support various investment applications, enabling better tracking of housing finance companies and facilitating passive investment products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds. The index also offers portfolio managers a tool for benchmarking portfolio management strategies. However, it is noteworthy that the index has recorded total returns of -12.84% over the past year, reflecting the challenges in the sector. With this launch, BSE aims to enhance investor participation in sector-specific growth opportunities.