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Barclays Global Investors is considering launching an exchange-traded fund that tracks a socially responsible index. An insider at BGI who is familiar with the matter said the firm is establishing a track record of launching innovative ETFs targeting both global territorial regions and niche sectors of the U.S. market. Launching a socially responsible ETF could continue the BGI's momentum of delivering numerous institutionally priced sector, style and regional index funds to retail investors. Tapping the socially responsible market valued at more than $1 trillion could again give BGI a foothold in a prevalent niche. The insider could not provide specific details about which SRI index is under consideration for a possible fund benchmark or tentative date for launching a fund. Christine Hudacko, a spokeswoman, said the idea is strictly in the discussion phase at this time and declined further comment. "They're talking about it in the sense there may be some merit in coming out with a socially responsible index fund," she said.