When deciding what kind of partitioned index to use, you should consider the following guidelines in this order:
If the table partitioning column is a subset of the index keys, then use a local index. If this is the case, then you are finished. If this is not the case, then continue to guideline 2.
If the index is unique and does not include the partitioning key columns, then use a global index. If this is the case, then you are finished. Otherwise, continue to guideline 3.
If your priority is manageability, then consider a local index. If this is the case, then you are finished. If this is not the case, continue to guideline 4.
If the application is an OLTP type and users need quick response times, then use a global index. If the application is a DSS type and users are more interested in throughput, then use a local index.
For more information about partitioned indexes and how to decide which type to use, refer to Using Partitioning in a Data Warehouse Environment and Using Partitioning in an Online Transaction Processing Environment.