Euronext and Borsa Italiana Launch New MIB ESG Index

Euronext​ yesterday announced the roll-out of its new MIB ESG Index, the first Italian blue-chip Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) index designed to identify major listed Italian issuers that demonstrate best ESG practices. In March 2021, Euronext launches its first national ESG index, CAC40 ESG.

The MIB ESG index combines measurement of economic performance with ESG considerations, in line with the United Nations (UN) Global Compact principles. The composition of the index is based on ESG assessments performed by V.E, part of Moody's ESG Solutions, who engage with issuers on their ESG performance.

The index's methodology reflects a ranking of the top 40 Italian listed companies based on ESG criteria. The selection is made out of the 60 most liquid Italian companies and excluding companies involved in activities which are not compatible with ESG investment. Components of the index are free-float market capitalisation weighted. The composition of the index is revised quarterly to integrate companies whose ESG performance has improved sufficiently since the previous review.

Stéphane Boujnah, CEO and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext N.V., said: "The MIB ESG Index is a critical contribution to a growing demand for sustainable investment tools from both institutional and private investors, and from the market as a whole. The index facilitates the adoption of mainstream ESG investment approaches by investors in Italy and in Europe. The first MIB ESG index also demonstrates the strong involvement in the ESG transition among most of the largest Italian listed companies. Today's launch is a significant milestone in the integration of Borsa Italiana within Euronext as both companies combine their respective strengths to make Italian capital markets more relevant than ever in the ongoing ESG transformation of the finance world."

Sabine Lochmann, Global Head of ESG Measures at Moody's ESG Solutions & President of V.E, said: "We are proud that our high-quality ESG data will power the MIB ESG Index through our continued collaboration with Euronext. Supporting this latest blue-chip index further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to support the integration of ESG factors in investment processes, and catalyse the global shift to a sustainable and responsible financial system."