What is global classification system?

What is global classification system?
  • In 1999, MSCI and S&P Dow Jones Indices developed the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), seeking to offer an efficient investment tool to capture the breadth, depth and evolution of industry sectors.
  • GICS is a four-tiered, hierarchical industry classification system.
  • Companies are classified quantitatively and qualitatively. Each company is assigned a single GICS classification at the Sub-Industry level according to its principal business activity. MSCI and S&P Dow Jones Indices use revenues as a key factor in determining a firm’s principal business activity.
  • Earnings and market perception, however, are also recognized as important and relevant information for classification purposes, and are taken into account during the annual review process.

Find out more about the GICS structure & sub-industry definitions.

  • GICS is a common global classification standard used by thousands of market participants across all major groups involved in the investment process: asset managers, brokers (institutional and retail), custodians, consultants, research teams and stock exchanges
  • Standardized industry definitions are applied to companies globally
  • The structure precisely reflects the current state of industries in global investment markets
  • The classification consists of four levels of analysis, ranging from the most general sector to the most specialized sub-industry
  • Annual reviews are conducted by MSCI and S&P Dow Jones Indices to ensure that the structure remains fully representative of today’s global markets

GICS enables clients to:

  • Capture and assess the impact of global, regional or local industry trends on a portfolio
  • Compare and report on industry sector exposures versus peers or benchmarks
  • Pinpoint industry investment opportunities across developed and emerging markets
  • Analyze sector and industry contributions to portfolio performance
  • Construct consistently defined global or regional sector-based and sector rotation strategies

March 31, 2022
S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MSCI ANNOUNCE REVISIONS TO THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION STANDARD (GICS®) STRUCTURE IN 2023

Revisions to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) Structure Effective March 2023

Jan 21, 2022
S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MSCI ANNOUNCE SELECT LIST OF COMPANIES POTENTIALLY IMPACTED BY CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED GICS® STRUCTURE CHANGES

Select Companies Potentially Impacted by GICS Structure Changes in MSCI Indexes

Select Companies Potentially Impacted by GICS Structure Changes in GICS Direct

Nov 29, 2021
S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MSCI ANNOUNCE EXTENSION OF THE FEEDBACK PERIOD FOR THE CONSULTATION ON POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION STANDARD (GICS®)

CONSULTATION ON POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION STANDARD (GICS®) STRUCTURE IN 2022 – UPDATED

Oct 18, 2021
Consultation on Potential Changes to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) Structure in 2022

Jan 11, 2018
S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MSCI ANNOUNCE SELECT LIST OF COMPANIES CHANGING DUE TO REVISIONS TO THE GICS® STRUCTURE IN 2018

SELECT LIST OF COMPANIES CHANGING DUE TO REVISIONS TO THE GICS® STRUCTURE IN 2018

Nov 15, 2017
S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MSCI ANNOUNCE REVISIONS TO THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION STANDARD (GICS®) STRUCTURE IN 2018

Jul 11, 2017
Consultation On Potential Changes To The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) Structure In 2018

Nov 2, 2015
S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND MSCI ANNOUNCE FURTHER REVISIONS TO THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION STANDARD (GICS®) STRUCTURE IN 2016

Jun 1, 2015
Consultation On Potential Changes To The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) Structure In 2016

Nov 10, 2014:


S&P Dow Jones Indices and MSCI Announce Revisions to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) Structure in 2016

Jun 2, 2014:


GICS Consultation Paper - 2015