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Finding data

A companium to financial and socio-economic data such as Compustat, Factset, SDC Platinum, WRDS, and CRSP

Factset

Software to access FactSet data is available on computers at the School of Business and Economics. Software can also be installed on your own laptop or desktop computer. It is necessary to apply for a FactSet account to receive access to the data. Please fill out this form. The software and installation manuals can be downloaded from the FactSet website. FactSet software is available on computers at the following locations in the Main Campus building:

  • 12th floor: HG 12A-28
  • 13th floor: HG 13A-24, HG 13A-32 and HG 13A-36

The software is also available on two computers in the library. Both computers are located on the 6th floor of the main campus building: HG 6B-01. You need a reservation to use one of these computers; You can book a time slot for a FactSet computer on-line.

Please note also: First login in FactSet

When logging on for the first time, you need to take some additional steps.

  1. Start the FactSet software (not the Excel add-on)
  2. Enter your FactSet login and the code you received by email, and click continue.
  3. Check your VU email for an email from FactSet with a new code.
  4. Type in this new code as password, and click the button to continue.
  5. Choose the Desktop or Laptop option from the popup and click continue.
  6. You should now be logged in and can start using the FactSet application.

You need to follow this procedure only once.

Using the Excel add-in

  1. The FactSet Excel Add-in is separate software and will only work if you first log on with the FactSet software application.
  2. If you are working on a VU laptop through Wi-fi internet access you may have to change a setting of the VU home drive folder H:\FactSet. To change it you right-click this folder and set the properties to Always available offline(screenshot).

Content

FactSet offers a wide range of financial, economic, and company data. Geographic coverage is global, but the main focus is on the US and on Europe. Data can be downloaded through the FactSet software and through the FactSet Excel add-in. Some limited data is also available through the FactSet website. The subscription to FactSet covers the base datasets and does not (generally) include additional datasets from providers like MSCI, or Sustainalytics. Overall, the data available covers the following types of data:

  • Company data includes accounting data, ownership data, and limited data on board members. Some limited ESG data is available.
  • Mergers and acquisitions data
  • Initial Public Offerings
  • Market data: stock & bond data, market indices, and exchange rates.etc.
  • Macroeconomic data from national sources, as well as international sources (IMF, World Bank, Eurostat, etc.)
  • Venture Capital data

Documentation and manuals

FactSet data be accessed through the FactSet application, and through an Excel add-in. Use the application to quickly look up what data is available, and to build lists that you can use for screening. The Excel plugin is most convenient option for bulk downloads of data.

Documentation and tutorials on a number of topics are available from within the application. You can also use the chat function in the application to contact the FactSet Support helpdesk.

Some interesting links with background information: