Stockholm (NordSIP) – IHS Markit, a data and analytics provider, announced it was partnering with MSCI to extend the coverage of its ESG rating service to fixed income and credit indices.
“Investors have a growing appetite for exposure to ESG funds, creating a need for indices that integrate these principles while accurately representing the underlying market and continuing to deliver strong returns,” said Sophia Dancygier, head of Indices at IHS Markit. “In recognizing the importance of sustainable investing and following the successful launch of our Global Carbon Index, we are excited to collaborate with MSCI as we expand our ESG coverage in iBoxx and iTraxx indices.”
The first step in the collaboration between IHS Markit and MSCI was the launch of sustainability-focused iBoxx MSCI short-maturity corporate bond indices in Euro, US Dollar and Sterling. The new iBoxx MSCI ESG indices exclude issuers in sectors identified as problematic by MSCI ESG business involvement screens. Moreover, inclusion in the indices requires issuers to have a minimum MSCI ESG rating of BBB and compliance with the United Nations Global Compact principles.
“As investors continue to evaluate opportunities to incorporate ESG considerations into their portfolios, we are pleased to be working with IHS Markit to apply MSCI’s ESG ratings and research data to their suite of fixed income and credit indices,” said Eric Moen, head of ESG Products for MSCI ESG Research. “MSCI ESG Research covers 650,000 equity and fixed income securities globally, which provides quality insights into ESG risks and opportunities within multi-asset class portfolios.”
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