KLD Research & Analytics, Inc. of Boston, MA, has launched its new Global Socrates(TM) ESG research platform. The third generation of KLD's proprietary web-based client interface, Global Socrates provides a comprehensive set of research, ratings and screening tools to investment professionals worldwide.

"KLD developed the first computer-based ESG research platform, and in 2001, the first web-based client interface," said Noel Friedman, KLD Managing Director of Research Products. "We have over 20 years of experience supporting ESG analysis by a broad global client base, and Global Socrates puts everything we've learned in the hands of investors."

Institutional investors and money managers, including signatories to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), can utilize Global Socrates to engage with companies and integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into their investment practices.

Global Socrates provides in-depth reports analyzing the ESG performance of nearly four thousand companies in the US, Europe and Asia. The reports include an unprecedented level of detail on researched companies, measuring each firm on more than 200 indicators encompassing over 2,000 ESG performance data points.

Users can apply custom filtering and screening tools to their portfolios, and integrate KLD data into their own research platforms and trading systems. They can get quick answers from 1-page company tear sheets, drill deeper with KLD's unmatched in-depth reporting on each firm's ESG practices and historical performance, or monitor violations to global norms and conventions. (A list of Global Socrates features is below.)

For its Asia-Pacific market coverage, including Japan and China, KLD worked with long time research partner SIRIS, the leading provider of ESG research in Australasia.

"SIRIS played an integral role in the development of our global research and ratings framework, and provided valuable insight into Asia-Pacific sustainability issues," said Eric Fernald, Director of Research at KLD.

Global Socrates will also provide enhanced climate and carbon information, including company-reported climate data from the Carbon Disclosure Project.

"Global Socrates enables the seamless integration of extra-financial research into investment analysis," said Peter D. Kinder, President and co-founder of KLD. "The market crisis has convinced investors to look beyond this quarter's results, and Global Socrates helps them uncover the ESG risks and opportunities of thousands of companies worldwide."

KLD Global Socrates Features

Global research coverage, quality and experience

• Coverage of 4,000 + global companies
• 200+ environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators
• 2,000+ ESG data points
• Continuous global coverage for involvement in controversial lines of business (nuclear power, tobacco, weapons, etc.)
• Sector teams lead by senior analysts who average more than 10 years of experience
• KLD's dedicated, knowledgeable client support

Flexible tools - get quick answers, or drill deeper

• ESG ratings and scores
• Tearsheet, summary and in-depth company reports
• Filter and screening tools
• Peer comparisons
• Portfolio monitoring
• Searchable company updates

New functionality, new customizable interface

• User-defined ESG parameters
• Positive/negative/best in class/global convention compliance screens
• Custom filters on company performance, data and involvement
• User-defined interfaces
• Custom scoring tools
• Email alerts

About KLD Research & Analytics
KLD Research & Analytics, Inc. is the leading authority on sustainability research and indexes for institutional investors. Since 1988, institutional investors, managers, trustees, consultants and advisors have depended on the quality and expertise of KLD.

Today, 30 of the top 50 institutional money managers worldwide use KLD's research to integrate environmental, social and governance factors into their investment decisions. More than 650 investment firms, governments, universities, pension funds, foundations rely on KLD research products.

About SIRIS
The Sustainable Investment Research Institute (SIRIS) is a dedicated, specialist research group, providing sustainability and governance research. SIRIS' research focuses on the Asia-Pacific Region with a team that includes dedicated and experienced Asian language analysts. SIRIS' research provides investors with analysis of critical aspects of operational and brand risk and emerging investment themes and opportunities.

KLD Research & Analytics, Inc.

KLD Research & Analytics, Inc.

KLD Research & Analytics, Inc. is an independent investment research firm providing investment management tools used by professionals to serve clients requiring investment strategies based on social and environmental responsibility. Since 1988, institutional investors, managers, trustees, consultants, and advisors have depended on the quality and expertise of KLD. Institutional money managers worldwide use KLD's research to integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into their investment decisions. KLD products and services are used for screening, compliance, and asset gathering. More than $10 billion is invested in funds based on KLD indexes.

More from KLD Research & Analytics, Inc.