Morgan Stanley Capital International Indexes

These indexes are computed by the investment firm Morgan Stanley's Capital International group (MSCI).

They track stocks traded in international stock markets, and are considered the benchmarks for international stock investments and mutual fund portfolios.

The strong performance of the Europe and Australasia Far East Equity Index (EAFE) between 1982 and 1996 is often credited with generating increased US interest in investing overseas. The index was considered especially strong compared to the well-known Standard & Poor's 500-stock Index (S&P 500).