MSCI expands Shariah-compliant index range

MSCI has announced the expansion of the existing MSCI Islamic Index Family with the launch of the M-Series that addresses client demand for financial screening criteria based on market capitalisation. The M-Series of indices uses three financial ratios in this process: total debt-to-market cap, cash and interest-bearing securities-to-market cap, and accounts receivables and cash-to-market cap. Using market capitalisation is argued, by some, to provide a more accurate representation of these ratios. In addition to screening companies based on financial ratios, the indices avoid companies involved in activities contrary to the principles of Shariah investment.