Bloomberg has announced the expansion of its global equity index range, including emerging market country benchmarks, sector, and thematic index capabilities.

The new Bloomberg emerging market benchmark family is weighted by free-float market cap, includes 26 countries (including South Africa), and represents over $14trn in market value.

Collectively, the global equity product captures over 99% of the market capitalization in 49 countries.

The hundreds of indices can be used as traditional benchmarks and can also be customized using Bloomberg’s extensive research and data library.

The first Bloomberg thematic benchmark to be launched is the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Index, which will be used in a KraneShares ETF. 

"We are responding to investor demands for a comprehensive and cost-effective alternative that’s fully integrated with our data and distribution channels,” said Alan Campbell, Head of Product Management for Bloomberg’s Multi-Asset Index business.

“The combination of our trusted data and expert analysis enables us to deliver unique thematic and factor indices to support any investment strategy.”

Through Bloomberg’s growing equity capabilities and acquisition of the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM) in 2020, Bloomberg is also able to offer a full spectrum of multi-asset offerings for investors.

Standard and alt-weighted asset-allocation benchmarks can now combine equity, fixed income, FX, commodities, and crypto.

Bloomberg ESG indices will offer exposure to proprietary and third-party ESG scores.