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NYSE Euronext
To promote and support responsible investment (RI), NYSE Euronext (NYX), the worlds largest exchange group, and Vigeo, the leading European expert in responsible performance, have teamed up to launch a range of indices focusing on the three pillars of RI: the environment, social issues and governance (ESG).
Indices in this new range are the Euronext Vigeo World 120, Euronext Vigeo Europe 120, Euronext Vigeo France 20 and Euronext Vigeo United Kingdom 20, and include major listed companies from Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and North America. Index components are selected on the basis of Vigeo ratings and will be updated twice a year, in May and in November. Two more indices the first in the United States and the second in the Benelux region will be added by the end of the first half.
Euronext Vigeo index component stocks are the companies rated highest for control of corporate responsibility risk and contribution to sustainable development. Performance is measured by the Equitics® method pioneered by Vigeo. Ratings are based on 38 criteria including respect for the environment; human rights and recognition of companies human capital; relations with stakeholders (clients, suppliers, employees, shareholders, etc.); corporate governance and business ethics; integrity in influencing policy and efforts to fight corruption; and the prevention of social and environmental dumping in the supply and subcontracting chain. Vigeo draws on its existing database to analyse nearly 330 indicators for each company.
NYSE Euronext is introducing this new range of indices in response to rising demand for responsible investment. Investors seeking long-term profits built on sustainable development are convinced that incorporating extra-financial criteria into research gives a better global view of company risk, says Fabrice Rahmouni, responsible for market indices at NYSE Euronext. Building on the high profile and reputation of NYSE Euronext and its partner Vigeo, this range of indices is designed to serve as a true benchmark for fund managers and companies interested not only in measuring their progress and achievements, but also in communicating their commitment to responsible behaviour to employees, shareholders, business partners and customers. For these businesses, the new indices are also a strong differentiator, setting them apart from the competition.
Fouad Bensedik, Director of Methodology at Vigeo, added, Thanks to our partnership with NYSE Euronext, our data and opinions on the corporate responsibility of the hundreds of companies we review will now reach a wider audience financial operators keen to identify companies mastering sustainability risks.
