A comprehensive family of equity market indices for investors in the Gulf region
Launched in January 2006 to reflect growing investor interest in this region, the MSCI Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries Indices are designed to provide pension plans, other investors, asset managers and consultants with an asset allocation and performance measurement framework for the equity markets of the GCC countries.
Built according to the MSCI Global Investable Market Indices (GIMI) Methodology, the MSCI GCC Countries and Arabian Markets Indices offer broad and exhaustive coverage (up to 99%) and size segmentation (Large, Mid and Small Cap). Free float adjustment as well as minimum float, liquidity and size guidelines, annual and quarterly index reviews are also an integral part of the index methodology.
The indices cover the GCC countries of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The MSCI Arabian Markets Index covers the GCC countries plus Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon. MSCI maintains two series indices for the GCC and Arabian Markets. One is applicable to international investors, while the domestic series is aimed at investors not constrained by Foreign Ownership Limits (FOLs).
The GCC Countries and Arabian Markets Indices have daily history back to May 31, 2002.
The MSCI GCC Countries Indices may be used to:
- Evaluate the performance of regional managers
- Evaluate the impact of integrating these markets into a portfolio
- Conduct research on the these markets
- Construct and issue index-linked products such as listed and OTC derivatives, ETFs, and institutional and retail funds
Note: The MSCI GCC Countries Indices are not part of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
