MSCI unveils ESG risk tool
MSCI has launched MSCI ESG Metrics, a new tool delivering a standardized set of environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics for 8,500 companies globally, that is usable for in-house analytical models or for clients developing their own investment strategies.
ESG Metrics was developed to address critical issues with measuring a portfolio’s ESG risk where a lack of standardized data can be a significant barrier today.
The tool is designed to deliver a large set of standardized ESG data and simple flagged metrics that are comparable across a broad universe of 8,500 companies in the MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index (IMI):
• Phase I leverages MSCI ESG Research’s proprietary ESG risk models to introduce a new “risk exposure” dataset, mapping over 50,000 individual business and geographic segments to 22 macro risk factors, such as carbon regulation, water stressed regions, and corruption risks.
• Additional quantitative data and binary metrics are designed to enable institutional investors to measure the overall exposure of companies and portfolios to ESG risks.
• An expanded “controversies” data set flags companies involved in ESG controversies across 25 categories.
• Subsequent phases will further expand the risk exposure data set, and introduce new data points covering management practices and performance. Phase II expansion of the tool is expected later this year.
Eric Moen, managing director and head of ESG products for MSCI ESG Research, said: “We understand our clients do not want to be inundated with data; they want relevant, comparable global datasets which provide a global picture of ESG risks to their investments.”
He continued: “Drawing from the data collection and analytical experience we accumulated in the development of our flagship MSCI ESG Ratings, this new tool gives clients a library of data points and metrics to help them understand their exposure to global ESG risks and identify regions or business segments where risks are highest.”
