The large-cap asset class has been showing signs of life, so Barclays has launched three new exchange traded funds (ETFs) that focus on the larger side of things.

The new ETFs began trading on the NYSE Arca platform, expanding the domestic equity market. The funds seek to provide targeted access to the largest companies within the large-cap equity asset class, according to the announcement.

The new ETFs are:

• iShares Russell Top 200 Value (NYSEArca: IWX)
• iShares Russell Top 200 Index (NYSEArca: IWL)
• iShares Russell Top 200 Growth Index (NYSEArca: IWY)

The Russell Top 200 Index is a subset of the Russell 1000 Index and includes approximately 200 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership, which is about 65% of the U.S. market.

ETF Guide reports that so far in 2009, large-caps have lagged behind the broader market, as small- and mid-size companies have dominated investor interest. As the risk appetite for investors begins to liven up, however, the large-cap market should regain the spotlight.

For more stories about large caps, visit our large-cap category.

Tags: Asset Class ETFs, IWL, IWX, IWY, Large-Cap, New ETFs