Consulting firm Argus Media has launched a U.S. Polyethylene Transaction Index.
The Argus PTI debuted July 1. It includes indexes for low, linear low and high density PE resins based on contract prices reported from the market.
In an email, Argus officials said the PTI will be published on the first working day of the month and will be "free from editorial bias and resistant to nonmarket adjustments."
Argus is distributing the formula-based calculation as a free PDF supplement showing an index marker and monthly price movements. The PDF also includes a 12-month rolling trend chart comparing the PTI index with contract price settlements.
London-based Argus provides price information, consultancy services, conferences, market data and business intelligence for global petroleum, natural gas, electricity, emissions, biofuels, biomass, LPG, metals, chemicals, fertilizers, agriculture and coal industries.
The company's roots are in crude oil and refined petroleum products. It branched out into plastics and chemicals in 2012 with the purchase of Houston-based DeWitt & Co. Inc.
The firm was founded in 1970 and employs more than 1,200 worldwide.