Research Index
Verde ESG Leaders Index
A non-investable research index identifying institutional ESG leaders using only free, public, independently verifiable data — no licensed vendor ratings, no black box.
Index Value
1,075.08
As of October 9, 2026
Today
+0.49%
YTD
+7.51%
Since inception
+7.51%
See also the Verde ESG Market Neutral Index (VESGMNX).
About the Index
Index Overview
The Verde ESG Leaders Index is a rules-based, non-investable research index built on the S&P 500 universe — the sole universe, not a proxy — chosen because its membership is free, public, and independently verifiable. Constituent eligibility is determined sector by sector: a company qualifies if it ranks in the top 20% of its GICS sector by Verde ESG Score and clears an absolute floor of 65. The index is rebalanced quarterly and uses a modified market-capitalization weighting that tilts toward constituents with higher Verde ESG Scores, subject to a 10% single-name cap and a 20% cap on any single GICS sector. The index applies no categorical sector or product exclusions — it rewards measurable ESG performance on the dimensions applicable to each company's business.
Methodology
A Transparent Score
The Verde ESG Score combines five pillars, each drawn from a named public source: Climate Alignment (SBTi), Governance Quality (SEC EDGAR), Carbon Efficiency (EPA GHGRP), Social Responsibility (OSHA), and ESG Transparency (disclosure-framework engagement in SEC filings). Carbon, Social, and Transparency are scored relative to each company's GICS sector. Where a pillar cannot be measured for a company, it is excluded and the remaining weights renormalize; no value is imputed. Every input can be independently reproduced from public sources.
Track Record
Index Performance
Verde Advisors does not publish a back-tested track record. A live, real-time record began July 1, 2026, with the first monthly update in August 2026. We believe a clean forward record is more credible than a retrospective simulation.
Documentation
Index Methodology Document
Complete index construction rules, eligibility criteria, weighting methodology, rebalancing schedule, corporate actions treatment, governance framework, data sources, and limitations — plus a factsheet with the current constituent list and sector weights.
Index Notices
Official Index Notices
Formal announcements from the Index Administrator, including corrections, methodology changes, and quarterly reconstitution results.
Index Level Correction
Published September 30, 2026
Corrected the published index level for August 31 and September 1, 2026 — the September 1 rebalance did not record that day's price movement, and an unscheduled rebalance was applied on August 31.
Methodology Change Notice — Quarterly Review Calendar
Published October 1, 2026
With 60 days' notice under Section 7.2, quarterly reconstitutions move to the first trading day of January, April, July, and October so index quarters align with the July 1, 2026 inception date. Effective November 30, 2026 (Methodology Version 3.1).
Q4 2026 Quarterly Reconstitution
Published October 1, 2026
The reconstituted index holds 95 constituents — 15 additions, 17 deletions — with one-way turnover of approximately 20%. The full constituent list and weights are published in the updated Factsheet (Version 3.1).
The Verde ESG Leaders Index (VESGLIDX) is a non-investable research index published by Verde Advisors LLC for informational and research purposes only. It is not a financial product, investment fund, or investment advice. © 2026 Verde Advisors LLC.