Index provider STOXX has given DZ Bank a licence to use its new ESG benchmark, focused on the German equity market. The DAX 30 ESG index comprises 30 German equities with high ESG performance scores, determined by reference to the Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) ESG Corporate Rating and drawing from the largest companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Companies that fail ISS’ ESG norms-based screening assessment are ineligible for inclusion. Exclusion filters are also applied to controversial weapons, tobacco, thermal coal, unconventional oil and gas, civilian firearms, nuclear power and military equipment. “The new index combines Germany as an investment region with the consideration of sustainability aspects,” said Kim Yvette Remmert, Responsible Product Manager at DZ Bank. “This will enable us to close an existing gap in the product range with an attractive underlying asset, especially for underwritten products.” STOXX is part of ISS STOXX, which is majority owned by Deutsche Börse.
