Financial services sector accounts for about half of the first quarter's additions

Tacoma, WA — March 16, 2010 — Russell Investments is set to add 16 initial public offerings (IPOs) from the first quarter of 2010 to the U.S. broad-market Russell 3000® Index. These 16 stocks are scheduled for inclusion to Russell Indexes after the close of U.S. markets on March 31.

In addition to qualifying for the Russell 3000, four of these IPOs also rank high enough in terms of market capitalization for membership in the large-cap Russell 1000® Index: Cobalt International Energy, KAR Auction Services, Piedmont Office Realty Trust and Symetra Financial. The other 12 IPOs are set for inclusion to the small-cap Russell 2000® Index.

The list of 16 IPOs is dominated by seven stocks in the financial services sector, including four real estate investment trusts. The materials and processing sector follows with three of the IPOs, while the technology sector accounts for none.

"Our quarterly process to identify and add IPOs is designed to ensure Russell Indexes systematically mirror current market conditions," said Rolf Agather, director of index research and innovation. "It's a key component of our innovative methodology, which aims to consistently provide investors with benchmarks that truly reflect the comprehensive global market."

For complete lists of IPOs for the current and previous quarters and for details on Russell's quarterly process, go to www.russell.com/Indexes/membership/initial_public_offerings/IPOs.asp.

Inclusion in the various Russell Indexes is determined by market capitalization. Russell weights members of each index by float-adjusted market capitalization and explicitly excludes "locked-up" shares from IPO weights. As IPOs are added each quarter, Russell does not delete existing members to make room, but fully reconstitutes each index annually at the end of the second quarter.

About Russell Investments
Founded in 1936, Russell Investments is a global financial services firm that serves institutional investors, financial advisers and individuals in more than 40 countries. Please visit www.russell.com.

Russell launched its family of indexes in 1984 to more accurately measure U.S. market segments and better track investment manager behavior for its investment management and consulting businesses. The innovative index design includes float-adjusted market capitalization, annual reconstitution, multifactor style analysis as well as objective and transparent rules.

Contact:
Steve Claiborne: 253-439-1858