CSE adopts GICS industry classification

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has decided to discontinue the current industry classification used to categorise its listed companies and adopt the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) along with S&P/CSE co-branded sector indices, with effect from January 20, 2020. 

The CSE initiated a pilot run of the GICS classification in 2015, which was maintained as a secondary classification, with an intention to provide adequate time for all stakeholders to be comfortable with the GICS and ensure a smooth transition. 

The GICS structure, which comprises of 11 sectors and 24 industry groups, provides the transparency and accuracy needed for more accurate comparisons. 

Companies are classified quantitatively and qualitatively with each company assigned a single GICS classification at industry group level, according to its principal 
business activity.

CSE CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike commenting on the adoption of the global classification mechanism said, “With globalisation making headway, our market has also shown dynamic interaction to the changes in the global markets. 

As a result, it is critical for the CSE to adopt a globally accepted classification, which would help the foreign and local investors alike to capture and assess the impact of global, regional or local industry trends on a portfolio.”

The GICS was jointly developed by Standard & Poor’s and MSCI Barra, to meet the global financial community’s need for one complete and consistent set of global sector and industry definitions. 

The world’s leading financial professionals across all investment disciplines, including asset managers, institutional investors, consultants and researchers, have adopted the GICS as the classification standard.

The GICS classification of companies with market data can be accessed through www.cse.lk. More information can be obtained by calling 011 2356526.