The emission trading is a basis for the UBS World Emissions Index (UBS-WEMI). As the first index of its kind, the UBS World Emissions Index gives you access to the new markets of emissions allowances. UBS believes, that these markets have gained prominence over the last couple years and are set to grow, both in volume and scope. Until the commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol starts in 2008, the European precursor programme - EU ETS - is the basis of the UBS World Emissions Index.


At the time of launch, the UBS-WEMI is composed of future contracts on carbon dioxide (CO₂), weighted between two European trading platforms, European Climate Exchange* and Nordic Power Exchange**. Their weights are allocated upon the liquidity of the underlying emissions trading platforms.

The composition and weighting of the index is revisited twice a year and accordingly adjusted as the liquidity of existing programmes changes and as more emissions programmes are introduced around the world which satisfy the index eligibility requirements.