Upgrades

Standard & Poor’s launched a new investable index for investors seeking exposure to environmentally responsible investment strategies. The S&P Global Eco Index provides exposure to 30 publicly listed companies operating in ecology-related industries including clean energy production, water utilities and infrastructure, timber, environmental services, and waste management.

…In a move intended to enlarge Chicago-based Morningstar, Inc.’s international footprint, the firm is buying online global capital markets databases, an investor relations business, and a New Delhi, India-based data collection business from Ipreo Holdings LLC. In a $51.6 million cash deal that was scheduled to close in January, according to the company, Morningstar will acquire London-based Hemscott Data; Hemscott India, based in New Delhi; and Hemscott.com…

…Ameritas Advisor Services, a division of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., has added a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit rider to the Ameritas No-Load Variable Annuity…