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Our Approach

How do we capture themes

Our Approach


How Do We Capture Themes?

Our thematic indexes directly capture the theme using a rules-based methodology that is scalable and flexible. We capture themes in an index using the below steps:

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how do we capture themes - new

  • 1

    Develop a clear expression of the theme to capture the investment opportunity from key trends
  • 2

    Identify business activities aligned with the theme, incorporating theme expert insights
  • 3

    Identify products, services and concepts linked to business activities in a consistent, rules-based approach using NLP
  • 4

    Establish economic linkage directly and indirectly between companies and theme, using relevance scores
  • 5

    Select and re-weight stocks using relevance scores

How our approach to thematic indexes sets us apart

How Our Approach to Thematic Indexes Sets Us Apart

There are many dimensions to constructing thematic indexes. Below is our approach to constructing high quality thematic indexes that set us apart:

 

How approach set us apart cards

Theme capture

  • Direct capture of the theme: from idea to index constituents; no reverse-engineered sector selection
  • Explicit economic linkage for every company in ACWI IMI to the theme
  • Identify companies with upstream exposure and exposure through M&A and capex – not just existing pure play names
  • Research into characterizing theme accelerated by smart use of NLP and machine learning

Rules based

  • We identify companies by a clear rules-based approach
  • Selection of constituents evolves as companies adapt to the theme and as the representation of key products and services changes

Global universe

  • Global universe of eligible stocks
  • Look beyond ESG trends and sector strategies

Theme experts

  • Experts help ensure the indexes remain aligned with their objective as themes evolve

Our approach related content


Related Content

Thematic Investing

Thematic investing is a top-down investment framework, designed to capitalize on opportunities created by macroeconomic, geopolitical and technological trends that are both structural and transformative in nature.

Learn More

Megatrends

Structural economic changes—such as shifting demographics and social change, technological breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, climate change and resource scarcity—are evolving at an ever-faster pace.

Explore More

Contact Us

If you would like further information about Thematic Investing, please reach out to your MSCI representative.

Contact Us

Theme Experts

Thematic investing requires in-depth research to build a deeper understanding of the underlying drivers of value creation and risk.

Our Experts

Indexing Change: Understanding MSCI Thematic Indexes

In this paper, we review the concept of thematic investing and discuss the differences between it and the factor and ESG investment processes.

Download PDF
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