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S&P Dow Jones and MSCI launch a consultation to gather investor input on potential updates to the Global Industry Classification Standard

Executive summary: S&P Dow Jones Indices and MSCI announced a consultation inviting market participants to comment on possible changes to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). GICS is used by index providers to categorize companies for benchmarks, ETFs and sector‑based funds; modifications could shift sector weights and affect investment allocations.

Who is involved: S&P Dow Jones Indices, MSCI, and the broader investment community that will be asked to provide feedback.

Likely next: The consultation will run for a defined period, after which the two firms will review the feedback and decide whether to implement any revisions to GICS.

The move reflects the index providers' routine review of the GICS framework, which underpins a large share of global equity indices and related products. By opening a consultation, S&P Dow Jones and MSCI aim to ensure the classification remains relevant amid evolving sector dynamics. The outcome could influence how companies are grouped for index construction and passive investment strategies.

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