Getting started FAQs

Transcription

1 Getting started FAQs Where can I find access to a DataStream terminal? Access from Eikon main computers in the BI library. Select Thomson Reuters Eikon Microsoft excel from desktop. Click on Thomson Reuters tab > Ensure you are signed in > click on Thomson Reuters DataStream which will appear after you sign in. Follow the options seen on the tab depending on your analysis (i.e. time series request, static request etc.) NB: It is no longer possible to access DataStream through the old DataStream platform advanced interface, this is due to the fact that now DataStream is directly integrated into the Eikon Platform and is a part of the overall Eikon platform. Where can I obtain a User guide? You can find online user guide, user training manuals, hints and tips on the Excel interface Click Thomson Reuters DataStream > Help > User manual. Alternatively: Click Thomson Reuters DataStream > Info base > User manual. Which is there anything missing from former DataStream Advance interface while using Excel access? No, all functionalities are retained in both. Even before advance interface was removed, it was just a matter of personal preference to use either advance or excel access. In Advance you could see all the parameters of the search and set it up to download into the display screen. You could then export it to the Excel or other format you desire by right-click the results window and choose Transfer > Excel. However, in Excel the data come straight into your spreadsheet and so are dynamic and refreshable. You can use the Static Request, Time Series Request, or Company Accounts Request (accessed from Manage Request > Company Accounts Request) to create your search. What sort of data will I find on DataStream? Financial data DataStream is the financial statistical database providing historical and current financial information covering a wealth of asset classes, estimates, fundamentals and indices. Key data sets include Equities and company financials, market equity indices, unit and investment trusts, warrants, bonds, interest rates, exchange rates, commodities, and macroeconomic data. The macroeconomic data are sourced from IMF, OECD and government agencies. Available frequencies include daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly for data that go back up to 50 years of history. (Note: in some cases, the financial information sourced would be in form of raw data)

2 Economic data DataStream also provides national accounts, money and finance, labor market indicators, consumer sector data, industry sector data, and government sector financials. Finding codes How do I search for data on DataStream? On Excel access Data can be searched through DataStream menu by using DS Mnemonic codes. There are three modes of searching; Static, Time Series and Company Account Request, where each has different request boxes. The first code you need is for the time series or the company you require. This applies for all options; Static, Time Series or Company Account Request. In the pop-up search box, you can find the series/lists name code by using the Navigator button, the Navigator button is an Orange Find Series button. In the Excel: The correct data category has to be chosen to find the series you want. Some of the categories include equities, equities indices, constituent companies, unit trusts, investment trusts, warrants, economic series, exchange rates, interest rates, or futures and options, commodities, convertibles or bonds. In addition to this, the type of analysis has to be selected as well such as single series (overview, chart, report or data) and multiple series How do I find the series codes on DataStream? After clicking find series, in the search box, the DataStream Navigator will show you a search screen (Expore). You can enter a company name or select a series such as ABC, on advanced search you can also choose the appropriate criteria for your search by input of different combinations of phrases, starting letters of the name or letters contained in the name of the series you are looking for. On the left of DataStream navigator you can refine your search. For example, you can adjust category, select the Exchange or take multiple, market, currency etc. then your searching criteria would adjust accordingly. When you click on the DS Mnemonic Code of the series (indicated as Symbol on DataStream navigator), it will automatically paste into your Request box in Excel. Note: Make sure the settings in Data category at the top of the screen (left side where the filters are) are the correct ones for the series you are looking from, such as Equities, Equity indices, or Exchange rates.

3 How do I find company accounts and financial information? In a Company Account Request use the Navigator to choose Equities as the Data Category according to the previous procedure or type in a specific Mnemonic Code if it is already known to you. You will need to select a format code by either using Company Account Request Code Picker (click on the symbol ), such as Industrials Income Statement Detailed, or you can define your own format. How do I find codes for exchange rates or economics codes? Under Time series, change the Data Category on the Navigator to Exchange Rates or Economics etc and carry out a search for relevant codes using the Explorer or Advanced Search. Datatypes How do I select datatypes? On Excel access, there are datatype codes for financial items you are searching for. Once you have chosen the series code, select from the drop menu or type into a searching box a specific datatype of relevance to your search or click on the Datatypes button to for a more advanced search Then in the Find search box type in the name of the data you need, and select from the list those which apply to your search. Click on these to obtain them for your search box. You can put in more than one code, by separating them with a comma. e.g. MV, PI, RI. Note: Make sure the settings in Data category at the top of the screen (left side where the filters are) are the correct ones for the series you are looking from, such as Equities, Equity indices, or Exchange rates. How can I find out how the datatypes are calculated? Click on the datatype to find a definition and explanation of how these are calculated. There are more definitions in the Help > Definitions. How can I automatically update data? If you tick the Embed option in the Request box your data will automatically refresh each time you load it. It will update itself to today's value. Can I find Beta measures on DataStream? You can get Beta measures from DataStream. To do this, import your list into the time series and select the beta measure from the Datatype button marked fx. This screen can be searched using Beta and the various measures will appear.

4 Company lists How do I create a list of frequent used series or companies? (Create local list) To create a list of series or companies for use in Excel Time Series Request follow these steps: 1. Use the Excel interface and select Time Series Request. 2. Check List Picker button under Find Series button (click on the symbol ). 3. Click the DataStream List Wizard button (click on the symbol ) from the List Picker box. 4. Choose Create A New List > Next and this will bring you to the following box. 5. You will need to set the Data category at the top of the search screen (e.g. Equities, Equity Indices, etc). Then in the Find search box type in the name of the series you need or use Find Series button to search for the DS Mnemonic code of the series. Click Explorer to find series and tick the empty cell to choose the series. If you wish to choose all the companies, the most convenient way is to tick the top empty cell (in front of the title of DS Mnemonic, then click on the orange button of Use Selected, which will appear on the left of the top cell once clicked.

5 6. Name the List Description and click on Save As Local List Only. 7. Click on Finish. 8. To find and use the created local lists, click on User Created from Advanced Version; or click on List Picker on Excel interface. Help Who can I contact for help? The DataStream Guidance/Support Desk is located in the Library on the 6 th floor. Check the day and time on the library homepage under Courses, support, tutoring in the Library where you will find the schedule for DataStream Guidance and several links to helpful information. Use the excel Contact Us button under Thomson Reuters DataStream tab to contact the online help desk 10. January 2018