GICS Structure #

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS^®) was developed in 1999 by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MSCI. The GICS methodology aims to enhance the investment research and asset management process for financial professionals worldwide. It is the result of numerous discussions with asset owners, portfolio managers, and investment analysts around the world. It was designed in response to the global financial community’s need for accurate, complete, and standard industry definitions.

Sector #

A Sector is the broadest level in the GICS classification and represents a high-level categorization of the economy based on the general nature of business activities. Each sector includes companies that share a common macroeconomic focus or theme. There are 11 Sectors within the GICS groupings.

Group #

An Industry Group is a mid-level classification that narrows the scope of a sector. It categorizes companies within a sector that operate in related business areas or value chains, but not necessarily identical services or products. There are 25 Groups within the GICS groupings.

Industry #

An Industry provides a more detailed segmentation within an industry group. It identifies companies that operate in very similar markets or business models, often competing directly with each other. There are 74 Industries within the GICS groupings.

Sub-industry #

A Sub-Industry is the most granular level of GICS. It groups companies that are engaged in highly specific activities, often distinguished by niche products, services, or target markets. There are 164 Sub-Industries within the GICS groupings.