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MSCI International Equity Indices

Designed to represent the investable opportunity set for international investors, the MSCI International Equity Indices are the most widely used global benchmarks in the industry. They are used: to benchmark more than an estimated USD 3 trillion  by over 2,200 institutions globally  as the benchmark for over 90% of all international equity assets under management

  • Editorial Team
  • May 12, 2021
  • 2 minutes


Designed to represent the investable opportunity set for international investors, the MSCI International Equity Indices are the most widely used global benchmarks in the industry. They are used:



  • to benchmark more than an estimated USD 3 trillion 

  • by over 2,200 institutions globally 

  • as the benchmark for over 90% of all international equity assets under management in the US.


Calculated since 1969, the indices have become integral tools in the investment process of international investors and are used:



  • for research

  • in asset allocation models

  • to benchmark and conduct performance measurement analysis

  • as the basis of index linked products such as indexed funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), OTC and non-OTC derivatives, and futures and options contracts.


To be useful tools in the investment process, indices must reflect the relevant market, and be replicable and investable. To address this, MSCI Barra has evolved its index methodology over time. Examples include enhancing the methodology to reflect free-float adjusted market capitalization weighting in 2001/2002, and introducing comprehensive market cap segmentation and adding Emerging Markets Small Cap Indices in June 2007.


Since 1969, MSCI Barra’s local research experts have applied a rigorous approach to data collection and quality control. Today the company has over 50 research and index specialists, gathering data and constructing indices across 70 markets.