MSCI, a leading provider of research-based indexes and analytics, has announced the launch of the Islamic M-Series Indexes, providing an additional Islamic index screening methodology that gives local investors the option to choose between the traditional approach of using total assets or the more widely used market cap-based methodology.

“We have expanded the existing MSCI Islamic Index Family with the launch of the M-Series that addresses client demand for financial screening criteria based on market capitalization,” said Rob Ansari, the executive director and head of Client Coverage at MSCI in the Middle East.

“We are committed to developing relevant tools for Middle East investors,” he added.

The MSCI Islamic Index M-Series includes:
•MSCI ACWI Islamic M- Series Index
•MSCI Europe Islamic M- Series Index
•MSCI North America Islamic M- Series Index
•MSCI Pacific Islamic M- Series Index
•MSCI EM Islamic M-Series Index

In June, MSCI had announced broader coverage of the Middle East equity universe with the launch of the MSCI Saudi Arabia Indexes and the GCC Countries International Indexes, the first indexes of their kind that represent the full investable opportunity set available in the Gulf countries.-TradeArabia News Service