Glossary
FADGI · FTSE ADX General Index
The benchmark index of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), calculated in partnership with FTSE Russell, tracking the performance of listed equities on the exchange.
What it means
The FTSE ADX General Index (FADGI) is the headline equity benchmark for the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the regulated market overseen by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE. It is constructed and maintained in partnership with FTSE Russell, the global index provider, using FTSE Russell's standard index methodology for constituent selection, weighting, and periodic review.\n\nThe index covers equities listed on the ADX across a range of sectors, including banking, energy, real estate, and telecommunications. Constituent weights and eligibility are subject to periodic review by FTSE Russell. The ADX itself is one of the two main UAE equity exchanges, alongside the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).\n\nFor investors seeking exposure to Abu Dhabi-listed companies, FADGI serves as the standard reference point against which fund managers and passive products measure their performance. Readers should consult the official FTSE Russell and ADX websites for the current constituent list, methodology, and review schedule, as these are subject to change.
Why it matters for Gulf-based readers
For English-speaking expats resident in the UAE or wider GCC, FADGI is a practical reference when evaluating any fund or exchange-traded product claiming exposure to Abu Dhabi equities. Checking whether a product tracks FADGI or a different index - and whether it is a full-replication or sampling approach - matters for understanding what you actually own.\n\nExpats should also be aware of the domicile and structure of any product referencing FADGI. UCITS-compliant funds domiciled in Ireland or Luxembourg are the most common vehicles available to GCC-based retail investors via regulated brokers. Any such fund's ongoing charges figure (OCF) will represent a direct drag on returns relative to the index. Because the UAE does not levy capital gains tax or dividend withholding tax on individual investors at the personal level, the primary cost consideration when accessing this index is the fund's fee structure, not the tax treatment - though investors should verify their own tax position with a qualified adviser, particularly if they hold passports from jurisdictions that tax worldwide income.
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This glossary entry is general information for English-speaking expats in the Gulf. It is not personal financial, tax, or legal advice.