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Financial databases

'Go to' databases

This tab provides information on a couple of databases that we categorized as 'Go to', as they provide the vast majority of the data that students/researchers are normally looking for. 

Below you will find a comparison between three major databases regarding data on equities. If you are looking for data on mergers & acquisitions please read the "M&A SDC Platinum" box. At last, you will find information on how to get access to those databases. 

Content Comparison Equities databases

Below you will find a comparison between the three major databases that provide data on equities. In addition, some user guides are included on how to use the databases. Please first have a look at those files before you contact us with your issue! At the bottom of this page, you can find information on how to get access to each database!

                          Datastream Macroeconomics Analysis | LSEG

LSEG Workspace Datastream (formerly known as Refinitiv Workspace) is an excel plugin (available only for Windows, also via data lab for Macbook users) that allows to retrieve data on:

  • Listed and delisted companies, global coverage;
  • Index + Index Constituent Lists;
  • ESG data;
  • Stock prices up to daily frequency;
  • Financials for companies (e.g. Market Cap, Total Asset)
  • Ratios, multiples, and forecasts (provided by IBES;
  • Macro economic data (e.g. GDP per country);
  • Options, bonds, and futures.

 

Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) is an online platform that allows to retrieve data from two major datasets (among many other datasets): 

  1. Compustat provides standardized North American and global financial statement and market data (incl. Index Constituents) for over 80,000 active and inactive publicly traded companies that financial professionals have relied on for over 50 years. 
  2. CRSP maintains the most comprehensive collection of security price, return, and volume data for the NYSE, AMEX, and NASDAQ stock markets.

 

Orbis is an online database that allows to relatively easily retrieve data on:

  • Public and private companies, global coverage from mid-1990s;
  • Company financials, yearly and quarterly frequency;
  • Accounting data (e.g. R&D expenses); 
  • Ownership and corporate structure data

M&A SDC Platinum

SDC Platinum, now accessible as an add-on within the LSEG Workspace platform, offers data on Mergers & Acquisitions, Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances, Private Equity (i.e. Investments, Exits, and Fundraisings), Global New Issues (Equity, Bonds, and Loans) and more. It is possible to set filters and create a list of M&A deals and find corresponding company financials. 

Below you will find a guide on how to open and use SDC. Please have a look at those slides first. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please contact us.

How to get access

LSEG Workspace (formerly known as Refinitiv Workspace) / Datastream 

You can access LSEG and Datastream from home or from the Data Lab computer. Although the Data Lab has re-opened after closure during the Covid-19 period, we strongly encourage that you continue to access Datastream from home (only for Windows) or on your own laptop. If this is not possible, you can make a reservation for a PC in the Data Lab.

In both cases, please follow the steps below to get access:

  1. Apply for a Workspace account by sending an email to the financial data support officer via lis-financialdatasupport@tilburguniversity.edu. Use your Tilburg University email address as this database is available for Tilburg University students and staff exclusively. Please indicate in your mail whether you are a student or staff member and if you have had access to Workspace in the past. In your mail, please also indicate whether you want to work from home or in the Data Lab. Please send your email at least four business days before you wish to use LSEG Workspace/Datastream!
  2. After confirmation of your LSEG Workspace account, the data team will consult with you for how long you will be assigned a LSEG  Workspace account + Datastream access. After your license has expired, it is possible to request a re-activation of your Workspace account.
  3. Once a Workspace account (or re-activation) is requested for you by the data team, it can take up to 2 business days at the providers' side to process the request. You'll receive a confirmation email once the request is granted.
  4. Download the Workspace software. To set up the Excel plugin of Datastream please follow the steps in the manual.

If you have scheduled a time slot in the Data lab, please first report to the library information desk at the designated time. The library staff will confirm your reservation. Next, you can go to the Data Lab and log into Workspace on a PC with your LSEG Workspace account. 

SDC

As of January 2023, the SDC Platinum database has been integrated into Workspace. The standalone version of SDC Platinum will no longer be available! Please note that from now on we have access to all modules of SDC (formerly limited to three modules). To get access to the integrated version of SDC, you will need a LSEG Workspace account. Please read the above text on how to request a LSEG Workspace account.

Orbis

Orbis is an online database that you can simply access by going to this website and click on "Orbis" in blue on top of the page. Up to 8 users can work simultaneously with the database. Therefore, it can happen that you will be temporarily unable to access the database as the maximum number of users has been reached. If this is the case, please try again later. 

Access to Orbis is also available via WRDS. See below how to request an access.

See the Orbis Instruction PDF above for a more thorough explanation on how to download data from Orbis.

WRDS

WRDS (Wharton Research Data Services) requires each user to register for an individual WRDS account. Every Tilburg University student or staff member can apply for an individual WRDS account by filling out the form on the WRDS website. When the account is granted, you will be able to access WRDS from anywhere with your username and password. 

All Bachelor's students who apply for a WRDS account, please choose a Masters Students account when asked to select an account type. 

  • Overview of IBES on WRDS
  • WRDS Learning Pathways – Instructional videos with guided tours, instructions, advanced information and tips on several WRDS data bases some of which are available for Tilburg University: CRSP, I/B/E/S, Compustat Global, Ownership Data, WRDS-SEC, and using Python and SASPy

WRDS launches Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Wharton has upgraded WRDS account security by utilizing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) by Duo Security.

2FA adds a second layer of security to your online accounts. Verifying your identity using a second factor (such as your phone or another mobile device) prevents anyone but you from logging in, even if they know your password. The simplest way to use WRDS 2FA is by using the Duo 2FA app, available for IOS, Android and Windows Phone.

When you login in WRDS, you will see a notification about the 2FA launch. You will know when you need to register a device for 2FA if, when you log in to WRDS, a message appears alerting you that you need to enroll. In your account pages, you can also check your WRDS 2FA by Duo - Enrollment Status.

From 3 April 2023, SSH access will also require 2FA.

WRDS Class Accounts do not require 2FA at this time.

To learn more about Duo authentication, please visit the following links:

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