ESG Software Market Size, Share, Trends & Growth Report by 2033
The global ESG software market, valued at USD 1.92 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 5.54 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.5%. This growth is driven by increasing regulatory demands, investor pressure for transparency, and the integration of AI and big data analytics for efficient ESG reporting. North America currently dominates the market, while Europe is the fastest-growing region due to stringent EU regulations.
Asian Emerging Markets ETF Faces Key Index Reshuffle
Investors in Asian emerging markets are preparing for a significant MSCI index rebalancing slated for February 27, 2026, which will affect ETFs like the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF. The rebalance is driven by strong AI demand benefiting South Korea and Taiwan, stabilizing conditions in China, and expected earnings recovery in India, all supported by favorable macroeconomic factors. The adjustments will lead to shifts in country and sector allocations within the affected ETFs.
Form 424B2 GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC
GS Finance Corp., guaranteed by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., has filed Form 424B2 for $1,170,000 Leveraged MSCI Emerging Markets Index-Linked Notes due 2029. These notes offer a positive return if the underlying index meets or exceeds the initial level, or if it declines but stays above a trigger buffer amount; however, significant losses, up to the entire investment, can occur if the index falls below the trigger buffer. The filing details key terms, hypothetical examples of returns, and outlines various risk factors, including credit risk, market volatility, and the uncertainty of tax consequences for investors.
Why invest in emerging markets?
Emerging markets delivered strong returns in the past year, outperforming developed markets, and are expected to continue this trend due to favorable valuations, a weakening US dollar, and more shareholder-friendly policies. Asian companies are particularly poised to benefit from AI spending, and a weaker dollar will reduce EM funding costs and attract capital. Additionally, many EM authorities are implementing governance reforms, such as Korea's "value-up programme," to attract foreign investment.
Russell 2000 Drop, EM Stocks Hit Records After Court's Tariff Ruling - iShares MSCI Emerging Index Fund (ARCA:EEM)
The Supreme Court's ruling against presidential tariffs caused the Russell 2000 to drop as domestically focused small-cap companies faced increased foreign competition. Meanwhile, globally oriented Nasdaq 100 and emerging markets, specifically the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM), rallied to record highs, with EEM achieving its longest weekly winning streak since 2005. President Trump criticized the decision, hinting at a "backup plan for tariffs" and a potential military strike against Iran, adding to geopolitical uncertainty.
S&P Global CEO, CFO to join March 3 investor webcast from Orlando
S&P Global's President and CEO, Martina Cheung, and CFO, Eric Aboaf, will participate in Raymond James' 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference on March 3, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. They are scheduled to speak from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET in an audio-only webcast fireside chat, with Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Mark Grant, joining for investor meetings. The webcast replay will be available for 90 days following the event, and additional presentation materials will be posted online.
EM Stocks, Currencies Decline as Iran Tensions Build, Oil Spikes
Emerging-market assets saw a boost after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. Developing-nation currencies reversed weekly losses, and BlackRock Inc.’s iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF reached an all-time high with increased trading volume.
Invesco sees stronger demand growth for Shariah-compliant investment funds
Invesco predicts a significant rise in demand for Shariah-compliant investment products, particularly ETFs, due to their ethical alignment and cost-efficiency. While the European ETF market has expanded, the choices for Shariah investors, especially for global exposure, remain limited. Invesco highlights the evolution of Shariah-compliant indices and calls for the ETF market to offer more comprehensive, cost-effective options for global equity exposure.
ZAWYA-PRESSR: Invesco sees stronger demand growth for Shariah-compliant investment funds
Invesco predicts a significant rise in demand for Shariah-compliant investment funds, driven by investors seeking ethically aligned and diversified portfolios, particularly through cost-efficient UCITS ETFs. The firm highlights that while Islamic finance has grown substantially, there is still a need for more comprehensive "all-world" Shariah-compliant ETFs that combine exposure to both developed and emerging markets, which are currently limited. Invesco, managing $2.2 trillion in assets, emphasizes its commitment to meeting client demand for sustainable and Shariah-compliant investment solutions.
Indonesia sees US$11 bil in share sales to meet free-float to avoid downgrade
Indonesia is preparing for US$11 billion in share sales to meet stricter free-float requirements, aiming to prevent a potential downgrade to frontier market status by MSCI Inc. The Indonesia Stock Exchange estimates that 267 companies need to increase public shareholdings to 15% from 7.5%. This initiative follows MSCI's warning about investability and limited free float, prompting regulators to implement reforms to boost transparency and liquidity.
€10.09 CEMT.DE iShares MSCI Europe Mid-Cap (XETRA) pre-market 20 Feb 2026: oversold bounce possible
The iShares MSCI Europe Mid-Cap (CEMT.DE) is trading at €10.09 in XETRA pre-market on February 20, 2026, presenting an oversold bounce opportunity due to low-volume selling and its position above key moving averages. Meyka AI rates CEMT.DE with a score of 63.64 (Grade B, HOLD suggestion), projecting a quarterly target of €10.58 and a yearly target of €11.39. Traders are advised to manage risk tightly due to thin liquidity, using limit entries and tight stops for this tactical mean-reversion trade.
Wealth Manager Bets Big on International ETF
Financial Council, LLC made a significant investment of $10.55 million in the iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (ACWX), purchasing 159,189 shares in Q4 2025. This transaction indicates a strategic shift towards international markets by the wealth manager, making ACWX a top holding and reflecting a broader trend of seeking value outside potentially overvalued U.S. large-cap stocks. The ETF has shown strong performance, outperforming the S&P 500, and provides diversified exposure to non-U.S. equities.
Voya Financial Stock After Earnings: Hidden Upside or Value Trap?
Voya Financial is repositioning its business towards fee-based retirement and asset management, returning capital to shareholders, and maintains a discount compared to peers. The article explores whether this presents a hidden upside for patient investors seeking diversification away from pure credit risk, or if the market is correctly pricing in slower growth for the company. Analysts generally view Voya as a solid financial company with moderate upside, appealing to those prioritizing steady cash generation and exposure to US retirement trends.
Form 424B2 BARCLAYS BANK PLC
Barclays Bank PLC has filed a Form 424B2 with the SEC for $878,000 AutoCallable Notes due February 23, 2029, linked to the S&P 500 Index, Russell 2000 Index, and Nasdaq-100 Technology Sector Index. The notes offer a potential positive return limited to a Call Premium if automatically redeemed, but investors risk losing up to 100% of the principal if the least performing reference asset falls below its Barrier Value and the notes are not redeemed. The offering highlights significant risks including issuer creditworthiness and the potential exercise of a U.K. Bail-in Power.
Global Economic Outlook: February 2026
This February 2026 report from S&P Global analyzes the global economic outlook, highlighting the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on markets despite resilient economic conditions suggested by PMI data. It details key changes in their forecast, including higher real GDP growth projections for the US, India, and the eurozone, leading to an increased global growth forecast of 2.9% for 2026. The report also addresses consumer price inflation expectations, noting projected moderations driven by oil prices and easing underlying pressures, and discusses factors influencing US dollar depreciation and Federal Reserve policy.
Index Business Strength Bodes Well For MSCI Inc. (MSCI)
MSCI Inc. (MSCI) is highlighted as an oversold financial stock attracting hedge fund interest, with analysts from Wells Fargo and Evercore ISI reaffirming positive ratings and raising price targets following strong fourth-quarter results. The company's robust Index business performance and promising outlook for 2026 EBITDA expenses are key factors reinforcing analyst confidence. MSCI offers research-based data, analytics, and decision support tools including indexes and ESG research across various financial vehicles.
MSCI Inc (MSCI) Stock Price Up 4.07% on Feb 18
Shares of MSCI Inc (MSCI) rose by 4.07% on February 18, reaching an intraday high of $544.65 before closing at $542.53. This places the stock 13.37% below its 52-week high and 11.46% above its 52-week low. Wall Street analysts predict an average target price of $669.13, suggesting a 23.33% upside, while GuruFocus estimates a one-year GF Value of $780.12, indicating a 43.79% upside.
Top 5 Information & Business Services Stocks According to Bank of America
Bank of America has identified its top five picks in the Information & Business Services sector, highlighting companies with strong growth potential, recurring revenue, and competitive advantages. The list includes S&P Global (SPGI), MSCI (MSCI), Fair Isaac (FICO), Aramark (ARMK), and NIQ Global (NIQ), all with 'Buy' ratings and specific price objectives. These companies are considered resilient against AI disruption due to proprietary data, high switching costs, and strong market positioning.
Vanguard Group Inc. Has $5.63 Billion Stock Position in Aflac Incorporated $AFL
Vanguard Group Inc. reduced its stake in Aflac Incorporated by 0.8% in the third quarter, now holding 50,382,903 shares valued at approximately $5.63 billion, representing 9.42% of the company. Aflac reported Q3 EPS of $1.57, missing estimates, and revenue of $4.87 billion, which beat expectations but was down 9.6% year-over-year. Analysts maintain a consensus "Hold" rating with an average target price of $110.91 for AFL.
Msci CEO Fernandez buys shares worth $3.56 million
MSCI Inc. CEO Henry A. Fernandez acquired shares totaling $3.56 million in multiple transactions on February 13 and 17, 2026, at prices ranging from $517.32 to $524.18. These purchases increased his direct and indirect holdings significantly, suggesting management's confidence in the company, which InvestingPro assesses as slightly undervalued with a "GOOD" financial health score and consistent dividend growth. The news follows strong Q4 2025 earnings and a "buy" rating from BofA Securities.
Streamex Launches GLDY, a Gold-Backed Tokenized Security
Streamex is launching GLDY, a gold-backed tokenized security on February 25, 2026, which aims to provide investors with 1:1 physical gold exposure and an annualized yield of 4% through gold leasing. The product will integrate Chainlink's Proof of Reserves for transparency and has garnered over $100 million in indications of interest, reflecting strong market demand. This launch is supported by recent financial bolstering and leadership enhancements within Streamex.
Msci CEO Fernandez buys shares worth $3.56 million
MSCI Inc. CEO Henry A. Fernandez recently acquired company common stock totaling $3.56 million through multiple transactions on February 13 and February 17, 2026. These purchases, made at prices ranging from $517.32 to $524.18, increased his direct ownership to nearly 1.5 million shares and indirect ownership through trusts and family. The insider buying comes as InvestingPro indicates MSCI is slightly undervalued with "GOOD" financial health, and follows a strong Q4 2025 earnings report and a "buy" rating reinstatement from BofA Securities.
BofA Reinstates Coverage on MSCI with Buy Rating and $700 Target
Bank of America has reinstated coverage on MSCI (MSCI) with a Buy rating and a $700 price target, citing strong financial performance and a positive outlook for the Information and Business Services sector. MSCI, a key player in Capital Markets, showcases robust revenue growth, high profitability margins, and efficient return on equity. The valuation appears attractive, with technical indicators suggesting a potential buying opportunity, while financial health indicators like the Altman Z-Score and Piotroski F-Score indicate strength.
Will SEC Approve the First DeFi ETF? AAVE Filing Sparks Big Question
A recent regulatory filing by Grayscale for an Aave trust with the SEC has sparked discussions about the potential approval of the first DeFi exchange-traded fund (ETF). This development, highlighted by Crypto Patel, suggests a move toward integrating decentralized finance with traditional investment avenues. While regulatory hurdles remain, the filing indicates a significant step for institutional compliance and could broaden investor access to AAVE if approved.
BlackRock® Canada Announces February Cash Distributions for the iShares® ETFs
BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited announced the February 2026 cash distributions for its iShares ETFs listed on the TSX or Cboe Canada. Unitholders of record by February 24, 2026, will receive these distributions on February 27, 2026. The announcement includes a detailed list of "per unit" distribution amounts for various iShares ETFs and estimated distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF.
MSCI Stock Jumps on Earnings Beat: Can Premium Valuation Still Hold?
MSCI Inc. has reported an earnings beat and raised its guidance, reinforcing its premium valuation in the market. The company's business model, heavily reliant on index-linked fees and ESG data, continues to show strong growth, particularly within the US ETF market. Despite its strong performance and essential role in global investing, the stock's high valuation and potential regulatory challenges regarding ESG products are key considerations for investors.
Fifth Third Bancorp Purchases 14,849 Shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF $SCZ
Fifth Third Bancorp increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF (SCZ) by 7.3% in the third quarter, acquiring an additional 14,849 shares. This brings their total ownership to 218,856 shares, valued at $16.79 million. Several other institutional investors also modified their holdings in SCZ, with significant increases from TIAA Trust National Association and State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D.
Greek Market Backs €250 Million Bond Fleet Expansion
Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. is seeking to raise up to €250 million through a seven-year bond issue in the Greek capital market to bolster its investment strategy and fleet expansion. The bond issue, with a minimum threshold of €200 million, will run from February 18-20, 2026, and is aimed at financing new vessel construction and repaying existing debt. The Nasdaq-listed company, linked to Vangelis Marinakis, focuses on transporting cleaner forms of energy and has a modern fleet including LNG carriers, with plans to add 18 new vessels by 2029.
Bitcoin’s ‘boom and bust’ cycles have ended as institutional investors now drive the market, says WisdomTree
WisdomTree reports that Bitcoin and the broader crypto market have matured beyond speculative, retail-driven boom-and-bust cycles due to robust infrastructure, increasing regulatory oversight, and institutional investment. Dovile Silenskyte of WisdomTree emphasizes that the focus has shifted to integrating crypto responsibly into portfolios, leading to decreased price volatility. WisdomTree itself offers various institutional-grade crypto products in both the U.S. and Europe.
Assetmark Inc. Buys 26,288 Shares of FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF – January $FJAN
Assetmark Inc. significantly increased its stake in the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF – January (FJAN) by 13.6% in the third quarter, acquiring an additional 26,288 shares. This purchase brings their total holdings to 219,976 shares, valued at $11.033 million, representing approximately 0.98% of the ETF. Other institutional investors like Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC and Jane Street Group LLC also established new positions in FJAN.
These 3 Stocks Just Graduated to the MSCI World Index
AST SpaceMobile, Coherent, and FTAI Aviation have been added to the MSCI World Index, a move that is expected to trigger mandatory buying from passively managed funds. AST SpaceMobile is recognized for its direct-to-device satellite technology, Coherent for its crucial optical hardware in AI data centers, and FTAI Aviation for its engine leasing model and power generation ventures. The market anticipates increased trading volumes for these stocks leading up to the implementation date of February 27th.
These 3 Stocks Just Graduated to the MSCI World Index
MSCI Inc. has announced the inclusion of AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), Coherent (COHR), and FTAI Aviation (FTAI) in its MSCI World Index, leading to a significant "index effect" on their stock prices. These additions are driven by their market capitalization, liquidity, and strategic relevance in telecommunications, AI infrastructure, and aviation, respectively. The change mandates passive funds to purchase these stocks by February 27, creating a predictable demand window for investors.
These 3 Stocks Just Graduated to the MSCI World Index
Three companies, AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), Coherent (NYSE: COHR), and FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ: FTAI), have been added to the MSCI World Index, leading to mandatory buying by passive funds by February 27. This inclusion validates their growth and significant impact in telecommunications, AI infrastructure, and aviation. The market is shifting towards tangible assets and hard tech, with these companies benefiting from the index effect.
These 3 Stocks Just Graduated to the MSCI World Index
MSCI Inc. has announced the inclusion of AST SpaceMobile, Coherent Corp, and FTAI Aviation Ltd. into its MSCI World Index, triggering mandatory buying from passive funds. These companies represent a shift towards tangible assets in the modern economy, with AST SpaceMobile providing space-based connectivity, Coherent enabling AI infrastructure, and FTAI Aviation capitalizing on the aerospace maintenance market. The index inclusion validates their growth and solidifies their positions as institutional staples.
HighTower Advisors LLC Purchases 143,014 Shares of Verizon Communications Inc. $VZ
HighTower Advisors LLC increased its stake in Verizon Communications Inc. by 2.3% in the third quarter, bringing its total ownership to 6,475,940 shares. Institutional investors collectively own about 62.06% of Verizon, with other major holders including Vanguard Group Inc., State Street Corp, and Norges Bank. Verizon recently raised its quarterly dividend to $0.7075 per share, offered a positive earnings beat, and received a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts with an average target price of $49.02.
Caprock Group LLC Acquires New Position in MSCI Inc $MSCI
Caprock Group LLC has acquired a new stake in MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI), purchasing 2,188 shares valued at approximately $1.243 million during the third quarter. This move is part of broader institutional interest, with hedge funds and other institutional investors owning nearly 90% of MSCI's stock. The company recently increased its quarterly dividend to $2.05 per share and initiated a $3.00 billion share buyback program.
(MSCI) Volatility Zones as Tactical Triggers
This article provides an AI-driven analysis of MSCI, highlighting weak near and mid-term sentiment and a neutral long-term outlook. It details three institutional trading strategies (Position Trading, Momentum Breakout, and Risk Hedging) with specific entry, target, and stop-loss levels. The analysis also includes multi-timeframe signal analysis with support and resistance levels, emphasizing the current price in relation to these signals.
Pony.ai Robotaxi Rollout And MSCI Entry Reshape Valuation Debate
Pony.ai, in collaboration with Toyota Motor China and GAC Toyota, has commenced mass production and commercial deployment of its bZ4X Robotaxi fleet in major Chinese cities, transitioning from pilot projects to scaled operations. The company has also been included in the MSCI China Index, signaling increased institutional interest and placing it on the radar of index-tracked funds. Despite recent stock declines, Simply Wall St views Pony.ai as undervalued, though it notes risks such as past shareholder dilution and current unprofitability.
S&P Global stock price rises 3% into holiday weekend as insider buy hits tape
S&P Global Inc. saw its stock price rise by 3.11% to $409.54 on Friday, recovering some ground after a rough start to February. This surge came after a board member, Hubert Joly, bought 2,500 shares, and was also influenced by declining Treasury yields following softer-than-expected U.S. consumer price data. The company had previously dropped its 2026 outlook and will face further scrutiny regarding AI disruption risks and upcoming economic updates.
S&P Global stock rebounds into the weekend — analysts cut targets and SPGI’s next test looms
S&P Global (SPGI) stock rose 3.11% on Friday, despite Mizuho and BMO cutting their price targets while maintaining bullish ratings. The company recently reported strong Q4 2025 revenue growth of 9% and projected 2026 adjusted EPS between $19.40 and $19.65. Investors are now looking to forthcoming economic data, including the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes and PCE inflation data, as well as the company's monthly issuance updates, to gauge future performance.
Belgium-Focused ETF Near Fresh Peak Ahead of MSCI Rewrite
The iShares MSCI Belgium ETF is nearing a new peak, driven by the BEL 20 index hitting a record high and an upcoming MSCI index reweighting. Despite these gains, economists express caution regarding the sustainability of public finances and overall economic footing. The ETF's performance will heavily depend on its largest holdings, including healthcare and consumer staples companies, and market participants are closely watching the earnings season and the March 2 reweighting.
DHR Fell 10% in the Last 30 Days. Here’s How Much the Stock Could Rise in 2026
Danaher Corporation (DHR) stock recently fell 10% in 30 days due to broader healthcare weakness and growth concerns, despite solid earnings. TIKR's valuation model suggests the stock is undervalued with an implied upside of 28% to a target price of $272 by 2026, driven by recurring consumables, operating leverage, and normalization in life sciences demand. Growth is projected through steady bioprocessing demand and equipment sales stabilization, with margin expansion as a key earnings driver.
Intuitive Surgical Fell 14% in the Last 30 Days. Here’s How Much the Stock Could Rise in 2026
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) stock recently fell 14% but is projected to rise by 45% to a target price of $705 by 2026, driven by strong growth in da Vinci procedures, recurring revenue, and international market expansion. Despite recent valuation pressure and insider selling, the company's solid operating performance and innovative platform suggest it is currently undervalued. The TIKR Valuation Model supports this outlook, forecasting continued earnings expansion based on robust revenue growth rates and operating margins.
EMQQ ETF Rebalances Toward Beyond-China Growth
The EMQQ Emerging Markets Internet & Ecommerce ETF is shifting its focus away from China-driven growth towards "EM Beyond China," specifically India and Latin America, due to a volatile trading environment. Key factors influencing the ETF in the near term include corporate earnings, the February MSCI index rebalancing, and currency dynamics. While it offers direct exposure to the digital transition in developing markets, investors should be aware of the higher concentration risk and sector-specific volatility.
Volume spike: 3031.HK Haitong MSCI China A ESG ETF (HKSE) 14 Feb 2026 — monitor order flow
The article reports a significant volume spike for 3031.HK Haitong MSCI China A ESG ETF on February 14, 2026, with 19,500 shares traded against an average of 255, signaling institutional activity or rebalancing. Despite static pricing, this liquidity shift suggests block trades or arbitrage. Technicals are neutral to mildly bearish, but Meyka AI forecasts a 12-month return of 4.02%, indicating a target price of HKD 7.86.
Events
The MSCI Events page provides information on upcoming and past events, with a featured upcoming virtual event on Family Office Transparency on February 26. It also offers access to event replays. Users can subscribe to have insights delivered to their inbox.
Coca-Cola FEMSA Prices MX$10 Billion Bond Deal
Coca-Cola FEMSA has successfully raised MX$10 billion (US$582 million) through a local debt issuance, oversubscribing its initial target by 3.84 times. The proceeds will fund general corporate purposes and refinance existing debt. The company also announced strong sustainability performance, achieving its highest score in the FTSE Russell ESG evaluation and maintaining a "B" rating from CDP, alongside receiving Top Employers™ 2026 certification for its Mexico operations.
Is MSCI Inc Gaining or Losing Market Support?
MSCI Inc.'s short interest has decreased by 3.25% since its last report, indicating a potentially more bullish sentiment among investors. Roughly 1.67 million shares are sold short, representing 2.68% of its tradable shares, and it would take traders 4.4 days to cover their positions. Compared to its peers, MSCI Inc. has lower short interest, with an average of 5.57% for similar companies.
Moody's Corporation: How a 115-Year-Old Data Powerhouse Became a Modern AI Risk Platform
Moody's Corporation is transforming from a traditional credit-rating agency into an AI-driven risk, analytics, and data platform. This evolution is driven by its deep proprietary data, AI-powered risk models, and seamless workflow integration, allowing it to provide comprehensive risk intelligence across various sectors including credit, climate, and cyber. The company's strategic shift and competitive advantages, such as regulatory-grade trust and embedded workflows, are increasingly reflected in its stock valuation, positioning it as a critical global risk infrastructure platform.
Moody's Corporation: How a 115-Year-Old Data Powerhouse Became a Modern AI Risk Platform
Moody's Corporation is transforming from a traditional credit-rating agency into an AI-driven risk, analytics, and data platform. This evolution involves deep data coverage, AI-powered risk models, and seamless integration into client workflows, expanding its relevance beyond credit ratings to encompass climate, cyber, and private market risks. The company's strategic shift toward a subscription-based, high-margin analytics business is reflected in its strong market valuation, positioning it as an indispensable infrastructure for institutional risk management.
