GICS Trending

GICS Trending is the second perspective within the Sector Intelligence of the G11 General Industry Compass System. It focuses on sectors that are currently attracting increased attention and are regularly the focus of public, economic or market-specific discussions.
TIER 2 level of the G11 General Industry Compass System

Within the G11 General Industry Compass System, GICS Trending acts as a bridge between stable sector order and current market and topic perception. The perspective complements GICS Core with a timely, discussion-oriented view - without any claim to completeness, but with a clear focus on relevance. The associated portal pages bundle information on sectors that are characterized by above-average interest from investors and journalists. The decisive factor here is not short-term market movement, but the recognizable relevance of a sector in public discourse.

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EST.: I/MMXXVI

GICS Alpha is located within GICS Eleven as a Tier 2 module ("Trending") and deliberately does not pursue a sectoral focus. Instead, the project bundles a cross-sector view of exceptional market performance - where above-average development, structural strength and statistical conspicuousness are concentrated. The focus is on companies that are characterized by outstanding alpha characteristics: as tenbaggers with exceptional performance, through high weighted alpha values as an expression of relative strength or through a clearly pronounced momentum trend that is confirmed over time. In addition, stocks are included that have been identified by a sector-independent AI stockpicker logic and are therefore not the result of traditional expectations but of data-driven pattern recognition. GICS Alpha is therefore not a ranking list of individual winners, but a curated signal space: an interface between quantitative selection and editorial classification. The combination of strong price dynamics and contextualized company news makes the module a preferred target for editors, analysts and theme-driven research formats looking for resilient upside narratives beyond rigid sector boundaries. In the GICS Eleven structure, GICS Alpha acts as a market movement indicator: it does not show where a company is located, but why it currently deserves attention - regardless of whether the strength comes from technology, industry, consumer or another sector.

EST.: I/MMXXV

GICS IPO is positioned as a Tier 2 module ("Trending") within GICS Eleven and is dedicated to one of the most dynamic phases in the life cycle of listed companies: the IPO and the early market phase after the initial listing. The focus is on new issues (IPOs) that have only recently become tradable on the capital market and have therefore not yet been characterized by long-term price and valuation patterns. The module deliberately looks at IPOs across all sectors. The decisive factor is not the affiliation to a specific industry sector, but the market relevance of the IPO itself: Issue volume, investor interest, price behavior in the first weeks of trading as well as the embedding in overarching market and capital market cycles. It is precisely in this early phase that new narratives, technological upheavals or changing investor preferences often become apparent before they are reflected in established indices. GICS IPO thus acts as a radar for initial listings or stock market aspirants - companies that are new to the public stage and whose further development is still open. The combination of structured coverage of recently listed companies and current company and market news makes the portal site a preferred point of contact for journalists, editorial offices and financial media who want to report promptly on new IPOs or editorialize IPO-related topics. In the overall context of GICS Eleven, GICS IPO adds a temporal dimension to the alpha perspective: while GICS Alpha makes already established winners visible, GICS IPO focuses on those companies where the market valuation, the story and the long-term potential are only just emerging.

EST.: I/MMXXV
GICS Crypto is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on a market that has evolved from a niche topic to an integral part of the financial and technology world. The focus is on the entire environment of digital assets - from the technical basis to the companies that operate this infrastructure or make it usable. The topic area encompasses different perspectives. These include technology providers that develop blockchain solutions as well as operators of data centers and mining infrastructure. Trading and exchange platforms through which digital assets are traded are also part of this segment. The spectrum is complemented by new service models, for example in the area of crypto custody, which focuses on the secure storage of digital assets. GICS Crypto deliberately takes a holistic view of these developments. The focus is not on a single cryptocurrency, but on the emerging ecosystem of technology, infrastructure, services and market participants. Many of these areas have become professionalized and are increasingly embedded in existing financial and IT structures. In contrast to the early phases, in which crypto was primarily perceived as experimental, the market has broadened considerably. Companies operate globally, regulatory frameworks are gaining in importance and new fields of application are emerging beyond pure trading. GICS Crypto bundles this diversity independently of traditional industry logic. Users of this information channel receive an overview of companies and developments that are shaping the digital asset space - from the technical basis to market-related services. It is precisely this breadth that makes Crypto an independent trend sector within GICS Eleven.
EST.: I/MMXXVI

GICS Cannabis is positioned as a Tier 2 module ("Trending") within GICS Eleven and is dedicated to one of the most dynamic phases in the life cycle of listed companies: the IPO and the early market phase after the initial listing. The focus is on new issues (IPOs) that have only recently become tradable on the capital market and have therefore not yet been characterized by long-term price and valuation patterns. The module deliberately looks at IPOs across all sectors. The decisive factor is not the affiliation to a specific industry sector, but the market relevance of the IPO itself: Issue volume, investor interest, price behavior in the first weeks of trading as well as the embedding in overarching market and capital market cycles. It is precisely in this early phase that new narratives, technological upheavals or changing investor preferences often become apparent before they are reflected in established indices. GICS IPO thus acts as a radar for initial listings or stock market aspirants - companies that are new to the public stage and whose further development is still open. The combination of structured coverage of recently listed companies and current company and market news makes the portal site a preferred point of contact for journalists, editorial offices and financial media who want to report promptly on new IPOs or editorialize IPO-related topics. In the overall context of GICS Eleven, GICS IPO adds a temporal dimension to the alpha perspective: while GICS Alpha makes already established winners visible, GICS IPO focuses on those companies where the market valuation, the story and the long-term potential are only just emerging.

EST.: I/MMXXVI

GICS Defence is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on a market that has noticeably gained in importance in recent years: Defense, security and military-related technologies. For a long time, this sector played a rather reserved role on the capital markets, not least due to political and social reservations. This has changed. New security policy framework conditions and a changed geopolitical environment have led to defense being perceived much more strongly again today. Investments no longer only concern traditional armaments, but also areas such as protection systems, logistics, communication and technology-driven solutions. In this environment, new providers are emerging, existing companies are expanding their activities and the capital market is moving closer to a topic that has long been marginalized. It is precisely this shift that is currently making the defence sector particularly eye-catching.

EST.: I/MMXXV

GICS CyberSecurity is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on a market that is closely linked to modern security and defense issues: the protection of digital infrastructures, systems and data. While security used to be thought of primarily in physical terms, the focus has shifted significantly with increasing digitalization. Today, attacks often take place in the digital space - quietly, permanently and across borders. Cyber security has therefore become an integral part of modern security architectures. The trend ranges from classic IT security and the protection of critical infrastructures to specialized solutions for government institutions and companies. Technological dependencies, networked systems and new attack surfaces have meant that cyber security is no longer seen as a marginal issue, but as a fundamental prerequisite for stability and the ability to act. In this environment, new providers are emerging, existing companies are expanding their offerings and the capital market is increasingly focusing on an area that has long worked in the background. It is precisely this shift that makes cyber security particularly relevant at the moment.

EST.: I/MMXXVI

GICS Beauty is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on a market that has developed around body care, appearance and personal optimization. The spectrum of topics is broad and ranges from manufacturers of medical and dermatological products to cosmetics and skincare companies to perfume and fragrance brands. The sector combines different worlds that have come very close together in recent years. Medical applications, aesthetic treatments and classic care products are increasingly overlapping. Innovations are emerging in research as well as in brand image, product development and sales. Beauty is no longer just seen as a luxury, but also as part of health, well-being and personal lifestyle. GICS Beauty includes, among other things: Providers of medical and cosmetic treatment products, manufacturers of skin, hair and body care, perfume and fragrance producers, brands with a strong focus on lifestyle, self-image and identity. 

The market is characterized by strong brand loyalty, high recognizability and global demand. At the same time, new providers are emerging that specifically occupy niches or reinterpret traditional categories. The capital market is increasingly focusing on companies that manage to combine medical expertise, consumer products and brand building. GICS Beauty bundles this development independently of traditional industry boundaries. The focus is on companies that scale beauty products and concepts - be it through innovation, brand strength or new distribution channels. It is precisely this mix that makes beauty an independent and clearly definable trend sector within GICS Eleven.

EST.: I/MMXXVI

GICS Lifestyle is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on markets in which consumption, identity and lifestyle are directly linked. The thematic scope is deliberately broad and encompasses everything that shapes everyday life, leisure and individual expression. This includes manufacturers of sports and outdoor articles, fashion and clothing companies, large e-commerce platforms and brands that sell consumer goods via digital and stationary channels. The spectrum is supplemented by providers in the premium and luxury segment - from high-quality consumer goods, exclusive vehicles and yachts to real estate projects with a strong lifestyle focus. In contrast to GICS Entertainment, which focuses on experiences, events and content, GICS Lifestyle focuses on long-term consumption and usage behavior. Products and brands accompany people over longer periods of time, become part of their personal environment and are closely linked to status, self-image and habits. The market is characterized by strong brand impact, global reach and a clear target group approach. Digital sales models, social media and direct customer relationships have led to lifestyle brands now operating far beyond traditional industry logics. At the same time, the boundaries between everyday products, premium products and luxury goods are becoming increasingly blurred. GICS Lifestyle bundles this diversity independently of individual industry categories. The focus is on companies that shape lifestyles, set trends and emotionally charge consumption - be it through function, design, exclusivity or accessibility. It is precisely this breadth and proximity to everyday life that makes lifestyle an independent trend sector within GICS Eleven.

EST.: I/MMXXV
GICS AI is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on a market that has developed from a specialist topic to a central technology across many industries in a short space of time. The focus is on the entire field of artificial intelligence - from the technical basis to the companies that develop AI, use it or make it available as a service. The topic area encompasses different perspectives. These include software and technology companies that develop AI models, algorithms or platforms, as well as providers of computing power, cloud infrastructure and specialized chips. Companies that translate AI into specific applications - for example in industry, healthcare, finance or the everyday use of digital products - are also part of this segment. GICS AI deliberately takes a holistic view of these developments. The focus is not on a single application or technology, but on the resulting interplay of data, computing power, software and practical use. Many of these areas have become highly professionalized and have long since become an integral part of existing business models and processes. In contrast to early phases in which artificial intelligence was primarily seen as a promise for the future, AI is now deeply embedded in real applications. Companies use it to automate processes, support decisions or enable new products and services. At the same time, new providers are emerging that specialize specifically in individual building blocks of AI value creation. GICS AI bundles this diversity independently of traditional industry classifications. Users of this information channel receive an overview of companies and developments that are shaping the use and further development of artificial intelligence - from the technical basis to market-oriented applications. It is precisely this breadth that makes AI an independent and central trend sector within GICS Eleven.
EST.: I/MMXXV
GICS Robotics is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on a market that is becoming increasingly important: the development and use of robots in industry, business and everyday life. The focus is on technologies that automate, support or completely take over tasks. One central area is the industrial use of robotics. This includes robots in production lines as well as systems that perform heavy, monotonous or unhealthy tasks. In many industries, they replace or supplement human labor where precision, endurance or safety are paramount. GICS Robotics also covers applications outside of traditional industrial environments. These include household and service robots, smart home solutions and technologies that enable autonomous or semi-autonomous action. Developments in the field of autonomous driving can also be assigned to this topic area, as they are based on similar technical principles. GICS Robotics deliberately takes a holistic view of these developments. The focus is not on a single type of robot, but on the interaction between mechanics, sensors, software and control systems. Many companies operate at the interface to other future topics such as artificial intelligence, automation and networked infrastructure. GICS Robotics bundles this diversity independently of traditional industry classifications. Users of this information channel receive an overview of companies and developments that are driving forward the use of robotics - from industrial solutions to applications in the private sphere. It is precisely this range that makes robotics an independent and future-oriented trend sector within GICS Eleven.
EST.: I/MMXXVI

GICS Sports is a trend area within GICS Eleven and focuses on markets that are directly or indirectly linked to sporting activity. The focus is not on a single sport, but on the entire environment that enables, accompanies or organizes movement, training and sporting activity. This includes traditional sports equipment suppliers as well as manufacturers of sports and functional clothing. Companies that develop wearables - for example to measure performance, exercise or health - are also part of this topic area. The spectrum is supplemented by providers from the fitness and training sector as well as organizers of sporting events with a wide reach. GICS Sports also includes companies that provide digital support for sporting activity. These include software and technology providers that develop apps and platforms, for example for training, performance analysis or preventative healthcare in connection with sport. The transition between physical activity and digital support is fluid. In contrast to GICS Lifestyle or GICS Entertainment, GICS Sports focuses on active participation. It is not about consumption or staging, but about movement, performance and physical activity - whether in competitive, popular or recreational sport. GICS Sports  bundles the above-mentioned topics independently of classic industry classifications, without ultimately committing itself to a specific content. Users of this information channel will find an overview of companies and developments relating to sport, fitness and exercise, from equipment and technology to organization, digital support and, ultimately, sport as an experience and unifying element.

The topics covered in GICS Trending do not follow a short-term market impulse, but arise from structural drivers that develop outside of classic price movements. Trends are understood here as consolidations of real economic, technological or social changes that are increasingly influencing capital markets, corporate strategies and public perception.

The underlying impulses vary:

  • Geopolitical developments can bring entire sectors into focus - for example, when security policy tensions, defense budgets or strategic dependencies are reassessed.
  • Technological breakthroughs act as a catalyst for topics such as digital assets, artificial intelligence or automation and permanently change existing value chains.
  • Changing threat situations - for example in the digital space - draw attention to sectors whose relevance arises less from growth than from necessity.
  • Social and cultural shifts can change consumption patterns and give rise to new markets long before they are fully categorized in regulatory or economic terms.

GICS Trending picks up on these developments where they become visible, shape discussions and have a cross-sectoral impact. The perspective thus serves as a transition between a stable sector order and a focused detailed view - it shows why certain topics are gaining in importance even before their influence is differentiated on a small scale.