MSCI Custom Equity Indices
Tailored indices based on your investment criteria

When a strategy is unique, when a mandate is highly specific, or when a new investment idea is generated, MSCI Custom Equity Indices provide a way to allow you to reflect and measure your particular opportunity set.

MSCI Barra calculates a custom index by applying your customization criteria to an existing MSCI Index. Because each custom index is built on the foundation of an MSCI Index, it is grounded in MSCI Barra's 35+ years of index calculation expertise. The custom indices are independently and systematically calculated, maintaining the objectivity and reliability long associated with our offerings. MSCI Barra has over 3,000 custom indices in production for more than 300 clients around the world.

Custom indices can be used by quantitative managers who want to back-test a strategy or develop a specialized investment product. Pension plans and consultants may use custom indices to judge the performance of a manager or meet a particular mandate. Asset managers may use them to help adhere to regulatory constraints and to minimize portfolio tracking error.

Indices may be customized by:
Countries/regions Sectors Size Style Corporate governance Currencies	Currency hedge Customized tax rates Special weighting Socially responsible investing criteria Security exclusion/inclusion

MSCI Custom Equity Indices may be used to:

• Construct and issue index-linked products (such as mutual funds, ETFs, derivatives, and structured products) that are designed to capture a unique investment opportunity.
• Test investment strategies and back-test product ideas with historical data.
• Minimize tracking error by reflecting your specific investment need.