Credit Suisse announces the launch of the first ever ‘LGBT Equality Index’

Credit Suisse have launched the Credit Suisse LGBT Equality Index™(Bloomberg Ticker: CSLGBT Index) the first index to track the equity performance of companies with LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) friendly policies.

The Credit Suisse LGBT Equality Index™ is a capitalization-weighted equity index that measures the performance of US companies recognized for supporting and promoting equality for members of the LGBT community. Index inclusion requires a score of 80 or above on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI.) The HRC Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmark for corporate policies and practices related to LGBT employees. The initial concept for the index is the result of conversations between Credit Suisse and LGBT Capital, a thought leader in the field of LGBT-related socially responsible investment activity.

Credit Suisse is also launching today an associated investable portfolio, the Credit Suisse LGBT Equality Portfolio, Powered by HOLT®.  HOLT is a Credit Suisse proprietary valuation framework with a disciplined cash flow approach to company analysis and stock selection. This new Portfolio is available exclusively to Credit Suisse Private Banking USA clients. It is currently the only investable instrument associated with the index and contains blue chip companies with progressive LGBT policy and strong capital appreciation potential.

“Wall Street, and Credit Suisse in particular, has a strong track record of providing leadership and support for LGBT-related issues,” said Timothy O’Hara, Credit Suisse Global Head of Equities. “We are very pleased to be launching an Index that tracks the economic impact of LGBT-supportive policies.”

He continued, “The associated Portfolio offers a compelling and unique impact investment opportunity for our Credit Suisse Private Banking USA clients.”