Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB)
In 2005, FTSE Group and Dow Jones Indexes merged industry classification systems and created a single definitive system covering over 60,000 securities and 65,000 companies worldwide.
Key features
- Managed on a transparent and rules-driven basis
- Contains four classification levels: Industries (10), Supersectors (19), Sectors (41), and Subsectors (114)
- Logical and concise 4 digit coding system
- Allocation by revenue not profit
Benefits
- Offers a single data source, which removes the need to maintain individual databases or undertake costly and time-consuming sector research
- Provides a standardised base for analysis, stock selection and performance measurement
- Aligns with investment research and analysis, numerous exchange-traded products, analytical data vendors and leading exchanges
- Data is maintained by research teams based in each major region, allowing ICB to reflect the global industrial landscape
- Allows for analysis of both broad industry trends and more detailed analysis across regions and countries