Finding and using financial data at Princeton University 

Datastream International* contains up to date as well as historical international data on stocks, indices, bonds, commodities, futures, options, earning forecasts (IBES), economic conditions, interest rates, exchange rates, and economic forecasts. Minimum frequency is daily for financial information. Data is derived from national governments, central banks, the International Monetary Fund, OECD, major investment houses, stock exchanges, and Datastream's own researchers. Available in SSRC and Stokes Library.

Global Insight (formerly DRI University Program)* Daily data for interest rates, government bond yields, commodity prices, exchange rates, select futures and options, and monthly data for economic indicators.

Wharton Research Data Service* (WRDS) is an interface to various financial and economic databases including Compustat, CRSP, IBES, TAQ, and Philadephia Stock Exchange Currency Options. Requires user to validate through password (request may take up to 48 hours and is for academic purposes at Princeton University only; undergraduates should request a research assistant account and list your adviser as your faculty member).

Global Financial Data Data on bonds, commodities, interest rates, stock markets and indices, futures, exchange rates, GDP, prices, and unemployment. World exchange rates back to 1624, inflation rates back to 1748, and wholesale prices back to 1720. Major commodities going back to 1784. Some annual series go back to the 1200s. Methodology and sources are documented. Stock market indices go back to 1693. Also included are data on stock market capitalization, dividend yields, price/earnings ratios, total return performance indices, and Global Financial Data's World Stock Market Indices.

Bloomberg* contains up to date as well as historical (though generally not before 1989) international data on stocks, preferred stock, indices, bonds (corporate, governmental, and municipal), commodities, futures, options, exchange rates, mortgages, and money market instruments. Frequency varies but is typically daily for financial information and in some cases intradaily. Intradaily data is typically kept from 30 to 90 days only. Available in SSRC. Tips for using Bloomberg .

Thomson One Banker* Web version of several SDC databases (VenturXpert, Mergers and Acquisitions, Global New Issues) and most recent years of Thomson Ownership Data. 

Handbook of World Stock, Derivative and Commodity Exchanges.
1994, 1997-
HG4551.H319q (Current edition on SSRC Ready Reference)
Provides a country by country listing of exchanges. Gives a brief history and other pertinent information.

*Must be used for academic purposes only, that is, to support the teaching and research of Princeton University.

Also consult the FAQ. Many print directories and financial analysis tools are housed in the Pliny Fisk Collection. The Economics and Finance Library homepage may also offer additional sources.

Last modified September 12,  2009
Todd Hines and Bobray Bordelon