Core Insights - The global economy is expected to continue growing in 2026, avoiding recession despite ongoing risks, supported by strong fundamentals in equities and a new inflation regime affecting fixed income investors [1][3][4] - Active management is emphasized due to structural divergence within asset classes, with a preference for equities over bonds [2][3] Global Economic Outlook - Resilience in the global economy is noted, with supportive policies and lower interest rates expected to enhance economic momentum [3] - Real GDP growth is projected to remain under 2% globally, with the U.S. and Canada leading at an estimated annual growth of 1.5% [4] Asset Class Highlights - **U.S. Equities**: Strong fundamentals support equities, but stretched valuations and narrow leadership indicate a need for selectivity [3] - **Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)**: Inflation is expected to remain above average at about 3%, making TIPS a compelling hedge [3] - **Global Bonds**: Diversification through global government bonds is recommended as reliance on U.S. Treasurys is outdated [3] - **Private Assets**: The private credit landscape is evolving, with a shift towards more complex strategies due to tight spreads [3] - **Real Assets**: Infrastructure investments are highlighted as beneficiaries of long-term trends in technology and energy transition, providing resilience against inflation [3]

Core Insights - MSCI reported strong financial performance for Q3 2025, with record recurring sales in its Index and Analytics product lines, and a significant increase in asset-based fees driven by growth in assets under management (AUM) [3][4][6] Financial Highlights - Operating revenues reached $793.4 million, a 9.5% increase year-over-year, with organic operating revenue growth of 9.0% [4][6] - Operating income was $447.7 million, up 11.6%, resulting in an operating margin of 56.4% [4][9] - Net income increased by 15.8% to $325.4 million, with diluted EPS rising 19.0% to $4.25 [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA was $494.4 million, reflecting a 9.7% increase, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 62.3% [4][12] Revenue Breakdown - Recurring subscription revenues grew by 7.9%, while asset-based fees surged by 17.1% [4][6] - The Index segment saw operating revenues of $451.2 million, an 11.4% increase, driven by higher asset-based fees and recurring subscription revenues [14][15] - The Analytics segment reported operating revenues of $182.2 million, up 5.7%, primarily from recurring subscriptions [17][18] - Sustainability and Climate segment revenues increased by 7.7% to $90.1 million, driven by growth in recurring subscriptions [20][21] Client Metrics - The total Run Rate as of September 30, 2025, was $3,186.5 million, up 10.1%, with a retention rate of 94.7% [7][4] - Organic recurring subscription Run Rate growth was 7.4% [7] Capital Allocation - MSCI repurchased $1,248.9 million worth of shares, with an average repurchase price of $559.95 [4][28] - Approximately $137.4 million in dividends were paid to shareholders, with a cash dividend of $1.80 per share declared for Q4 2025 [4][29] Guidance - MSCI provided guidance for Full-Year 2025, projecting operating expenses between $1,415 million and $1,445 million, and net cash provided by operating activities between $1,540 million and $1,590 million [31][30]