12:24 ET Merrill Lynch introduces Nanotech Index : Dow Jones reports that Merrill Lynch is introducing the Merrill Lynch Nanotechnology Index, which will include equal weighted holdings of 25 companies that have a significant amount of their future profits tied to this miniature technology. "We believe nanotechnology could be the next growth innovation, similar in importance to information technology over the past 50 years," Merrill technology analyst Steven Milunovich said in a Thursday research note."Nanotech is real - the questions generally are when, not if." Stocks included in the Index are: Amcol (ACO), Applied Films (AFCO), Altair Nanotech (ALTI), Biosante Pharma (BPA), Caliper Life Sciences (CALP), Cabot Microelectronics (CCMP), Emcore (EMKR), FEI (FEIC), Flamel Tech (FLML), Headwaters (HDWR), JMAR Tech (JMAR), MTS Systems (MTSC), Nanometrics (NANO), Nanophase Tech (NANX), Nanogen (NGEN), NVE Corp. (NVEC), Universal Display (PANL), Pharmacopeia (ACCL), SkyePharma (SKYE), Symyx Tech (SMMX), Three-Five Systems (TFS), Harris & Harris (TINY), Ultratech (UTEK), Veeco Instruments (VECO) and Westaim (WEDX).
