MSCI calculates a custom index by applying your customization criteria to an existing MSCI Index. Each custom index is built on the same foundations as the underlying MSCI Index - independent construction and maintenance, data reliability, global service and support - and benefits from over 40 years of index calculation expertise. Utilizing its database of over 22,000 securities across over 70 countries, MSCI currently calculates over 5,000 custom indices for more than 700 clients globally.

Pension plans and consultants may use custom indices to reflect specific investment criteria, such as socially responsible investment requirements, using the indices to evaluate manager performance against the mandate. Custom indices can also be used by quantitative managers who want to back-test a strategy or develop a specialized investment product. Asset managers may use them to help adhere to regulatory constraints and to minimize portfolio tracking error, as well as construct index-linked products (such as mutual funds, ETFs, derivatives, and structured products) that are designed to capture a unique investment opportunity. There is also an option for investment firms and broker dealers calculating indices in-house who may want to outsource the calculation to an independent third party index calculator.

Most aspects of an MSCI Index can be customized to meet your specifications: