Islamic equity research for thought

Despite including a limited range of economic sectors, the shari`a-compliant Dow Jones Islamic Market Indexes (DJIM) performed comparably to its counterparts in 2003. Greater research is necessary to increase growth within the Islamic investing community, and support for these studies should be sought out from major Western financial groups that have a stake in the Muslim world, who can in turn reap economic benefits. A survey of the Islamic indexes of DJIM is necessary in response to recent improper corporate financial behavior, with a focus on shari`a debt screening. Studies are needed to investigate volatility levels in Islamic investing, the performance potential of Sukuks, the cost of fees for shari`a-compliant funds, and the potential for Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).