LSEG, JPX to develop new climate indices
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) and Japan Exchange Group (JPX) are expanding their existing partnership by developing climate indices based on the TOPIX 500 which provides diversified exposure across the Japanese stock market.
LSEG’s index business, FTSE Russell, JPX and Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) are working closely to launch the FTSE/JPX Net Zero Index Series in the first half of 2022. The index series will adhere to the EU’s Climate Transition Benchmark (CTB) standards.
The FTSE/JPX Net Zero Index Series will align to net zero by 2050 by applying index tilts to the market cap weighted adjusted TOPIX 500 to achieve a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and fossil fuel reserves and a significant uplift in exposure to the green economy. The indices can be used as the basis of passive fund allocation, as a performance benchmark for actively managed funds, or to inform investment research.
The indices will also integrate Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI) Management Quality scores which measure a company’s incorporation of climate change considerations into their business strategy. The scores are used to increase exposure to companies that demonstrate a higher level of preparedness for a low-carbon transition. The TPI is backed by over 100 major asset owners with a combined $40 trillion in AUM and advice.
TPI Management Quality scores are based on the recommendations of the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The FTSE ESG data model provides TPI Management Quality scores for over 1300 Japanese companies.
David Schwimmer, CEO, LSEG, comments:
“While governments are currently negotiating here in Glasgow, we in the private sector can take action to accelerate the shift in the funds required to finance the climate transition. This partnership with JPX provides investors with important new tools to enable capital reallocation in Japanese equity markets. Climate indices such as the FTSE/JPX Net Zero Index Series will give investors the ability to align their exposure with the 2015 Paris Agreement using the TOPIX 500.”