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University of Iowa

University Libraries

May 26 2016

Database of the Week: Global Financial Data (GFD)

Posted byJim KellyPosted inUncategorized

Each week we will highlight one of the many databases we have here at the Pomerantz Business Library.

The database: Global Financial Data (GFD)

Global Financial Data is a collection of current and historical financial and economic data for over 200 countries, provided in ASCII or Excel format.

Where to find it:  You can find it here, and under “G” on Databases A to Z page. Note: Users must authenticate with their HawkID and then log in to GFD.

 Global Financial Data home screen

 

Use it to find: 

  • Time series data on a range of financial topics including US stocks, commodities, interest rates, exchange rates, international trade, etc.
  • Data on social and governmental indicators such as health, income distribution, infrastructure, energy, etc.
  • International data sources include Eurostat and the World Bank.

 

Tips for searching:

  • The options for searching GFD are found on the left side of the screen (see image above).
  • GFD Keyword Search allows for searching based on name (company, country, etc.), symbol, CUSIP, SIC, or NAICS.
  • Hover over the title of a given data set to get a detailed description.
  • GFD Filter Search allows users to narrow their search parameters before initiating a search. Parameters that can be adjusted include country, region, time period, data source, etc.

To browse data series available on particular subjects, users can set several parameters, for example country (Bulgaria) and series type (Exports and Imports), and leave the search box empty. This will generate a list of data sources that meet both parameters.  Select “GFDatabase + Eurostat” option to get the broadest list of available data.

GFD Search Results

Downloading Data:

  • The GFD AutoTrac feature allows users to gather data series and related settings into Workbooks (see image).
  • Once the desired series have been added to a Workbook, users can download the Workbook contents onto their computers.
  • The Workbook contents can then be saved within GFD for use at a later time. This makes it easier to obtain updated figures in the future.
  • Settings that can be tailored by the user include currency, date range, American or European date format (MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY), etc.
  • Data can be downloaded in CSV, XLS, or XLSX formats.

GFD Workbook

This video from the vendor provides a good overview of the AutoTrac/Workbook functions.

Graphs:

GFD offers built-in graphing features that allow users to generate and customize visual representations of the data found within GFD.

Graphs generated in GFD can be saved to Workbooks or they can be exported in a number of formats (Bitmap, Jpeg, PNG).

GFD Graph

Want help using the Global Financial Data (GFD)?  Contact Jim or Kim to set up an appointment.