STOXX Licenses New ESG Version of the DAX to DZ BANK

The DAX 30 ESG index expands the options for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing in German equities and, as of today, forms the basis for several discount certificates that are tradable on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The index is comprised of the 30 stocks with the best ESG performance score determined by reference to the ISS ESG Corporate Rating and drawing from the largest companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, following initial exclusionary ESG screening.

“We have developed the DAX 30 ESG Index in collaboration with DZ Bank. The index employs the ISS ESG Corporate Rating which enables investors to assess the companies’ exposure to ESG factors and risks. This new ISS ESG supported version of the DAX complements our existing range of ESG versions linked to the DAX. It meets the increased demand for bespoke indexing on sustainability.”

Serkan Batir, Managing Director at STOXX Ltd

The starting universe for the index is the HDAX, which consists of the DAX, MDAX and TecDAX and currently comprises 101 stocks. Companies that fail the ISS ESG Norms Based Screening assessment are ineligible for inclusion. Exclusion filters are also applied for involvement in the following areas: controversial weapons, tobacco, thermal coal, unconventional oil & gas, civilian firearms, nuclear power and military equipment.

Among the remaining companies, the 60 most valuable companies are pre-selected based on free-float market capitalization. Finally, 30 companies are selected to be included in the DAX 30 ESG according to the highest ESG performance scores under the ISS ESG Corporate Rating.

“The new index combines Germany as an investment region with the consideration of sustainability aspects. This will enable us to close an existing gap in the product range with an attractive underlying asset, especially for underwritten products.”

Kim Yvette Remmert, responsible product manager at DZ BANK

Together with the DAX 30 ESG, the idDAX® 30 ESG Decrement 4.0% Index was launched to be used as an underlying index or further DZ BANK certificates from mid-February onwards. The index tracks the performance of the DAX 30 ESG Net Return Index with a constant markdown of 4 percent per annum. Decrement indices are important for structured product issuers as they act as a tool for advanced dividend risk hedging.

DAX^®, MDAX^®, TecDAX^® and DAX^® 30 ESG are registered trademarks of ISS STOXX Index GmbH.

About STOXX 
STOXX^® and DAX^® indices comprise a global and comprehensive family of more than 17,000 strictly rules-based and transparent indices. Best known for the leading European equity indices EURO STOXX 50^®, STOXX^® Europe 600 and DAX^®, the portfolio of index solutions consists of total market, benchmark, blue-chip, sustainability, thematic and factor-based indices covering a complete set of world, regional and country markets. STOXX and DAX indices are licensed to more than 550 companies around the world for benchmarking purposes and as underlyings for ETFs, futures and options, structured products, and passively managed investment funds. STOXX Ltd., part of the ISS STOXX group of companies, is the administrator of the STOXX and DAX indices under the European Benchmark Regulation. 

About ISS STOXX 
ISS STOXX GmbH, through its group companies, is a leading provider of comprehensive and data-centric research and technology solutions that help capital market participants identify investment opportunities, detect qualitative and quantitative portfolio company risks, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. With roots dating back to 1985, we today deliver world-class benchmark and custom indices across asset classes and geographies and serve as a premier source of independent corporate governance, sustainability, cyber risk, and fund intelligence research, data, and related offerings. Our products and services give clients the scale and leverage they need to grow their business more effectively and efficiently. ISS STOXX, which is majority owned by Deutsche Börse Group, is comprised of more than 3,400 professionals operating across 33 global locations in 19 countries. Its approximately 6,400 clients include many of the world’s leading institutional investors who turn to ISS STOXX for its objective and varied offerings, as well as companies focused on ESG, cyber, and governance risk mitigation as a shareholder value enhancing measure. Clients rely on ISS STOXX’s expertise to help them make informed decisions to benefit their stakeholders.

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