FAQ
MSCI Equity Country Classification
MSCI evaluates equity markets around the world each year to determine whether they should be classified as a developed, emerging, frontier or standalone market. This review is critical to how we construct our equity market indexes. We consider the views and practices of the international investment community and assess a market’s economic development, accessibility and investability.
FTSE Equity Country Classification
FTSE understands that investors need an objective and consistent approach to the classification of markets as Developed, Advanced Emerging, Secondary Emerging or Frontier within global benchmarks. To ensure that the classification of markets within FTSE’s global benchmarks remains accurate and up-to-date, FTSE works closely with both the institutional investor community and domestic market authorities to review the classification status of individual markets regularly.
Dr Huu Minh MAI, CEO of Intelligent Financial Research and Consulting (IFRC) has:
- Extensive financial indexing expertise:
- Over 15+ years in derivatives and index markets, including roles at MONEP (Paris derivatives market), MATIF, and NYSE‑Euronext.
- Designed and managed many financial indices and products, including derivatives and ETFs.
- Large-scale index development:
- Successfully created and calculated about 100,000 of indices (including over 30,000 for Vietnam) in cooperation with BeQ Holdings.
- His company (IFRC – Intelligent Financial Research & Consulting) focuses on customized index design, financial data analysis, and investment strategies.
- Advanced analytics & data-driven indexing:
- Uses big data, AI, and quantitative finance to design indices and improve market decision-making.
- Specialized in risk modeling, portfolio optimization, and volatility-based indices.
As demand grows for data-driven decision-making in Vietnam’s financial and research sectors, a new generation of professionals is turning to specialized training in indexing. One example is the “Mastering Indexing – A Complete Course for Aspiring Indexers” offered through IFRC.VN, a program designed to bridge theory with real-world application.
What is the focus of the course?
At its core, the course introduces learners to the principles and methodologies behind index construction, an increasingly important tool in financial markets and data analysis. Participants are guided through how indices are designed, calculated, and used to interpret complex datasets—particularly in investment and research environments.
The approach reflects the broader role of indexing: organizing data into structured indicators that enable faster, more informed decisions.
What will participants actually learn?
The curriculum emphasizes both fundamentals and practice. Students are exposed to the full lifecycle of an index, including:
- Understanding index concepts and structures
- Learning how to select and classify data
- Applying different weighting methods and calculation techniques
- Analyzing performance across market sectors, industries, and company sizes
These topics mirror real-world indexing systems, where indices can track entire markets, industries, or specific groups of companies
