The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (MSCI) is one of the most widely used indexes in the world to measure global stock performance within emerging and fast-growing economies. It is used by investors, venture capitalists, and bankers to evaluate the financial performance of companies operating in these countries.

The MSCI Index tracks mid- and large-cap stocks in around 25 countries, focusing mainly on Asian and Indian companies in the infotech, financial and consumer discretionary sectors. China, India, Taiwan and South Korea are the four largest components of the index, together making up close to 50% of its overall investment. Other countries included in the index are Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Turkey, South Africa, and the Philippines.

The performance of the index is typically measured using the MSCI EM Private Investor Index, a gauge of returns from stocks traded on local exchanges over the long-term. It provides investors with an understanding of how their investments have performed in emerging markets, regardless of currency fluctuations or other macroeconomic factors.

Investors can gain exposure to the index by investing in an ETF – an exchange-traded fund – that tracks its performance or by investing in a fund that uses the index as a benchmark. All emerging market funds can be considered long-term and high-risk investments, as they are subject to market fluctuations which can lead to large potential gains or losses.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is an important tool for investors, allowing them to track the performance of a wide array of companies operating in fast-growing economies across the globe. By investing in the index through an ETF or a fund, investors can potentially benefit from the growth of these economies, although high-risk investments can lead to outsized gains or losses.