In order to provide more flexibility for our users we have not restricted this new feature to any one data source. Files may be obtained from a number of reputable locations, but we suggest these below. This is in no way exhaustive of all available sources for securities and index pricing. Advisors Assistant does not have any affiliation with any of these sources and we do not recommend any particular data for specific investment or planning purposes.

Most data sources require users to download files for one or more indexes for some period of time.  Since the Price & Index Uploader can update for an unlimited number of symbols and unlimited dates at the same time, it is most efficient to download files with more data.  The example below shows downloading a year to date record of data for a single index, but much larger files with multiple indexes may be utilized.

We recommend that users save their files in a standard location in case they ever need to reference which one was uploaded at what time.  This will also make it easier to locate them when you use the Uploader.

Suggested Data Sources

EODData (http://eoddata.com/) EODData has a number of options to obtain end of day pricing/value data, from periodic file downloads to ongoing subscriptions. They have a wide variety of data from exchanges across the world, have licensing options for a variety of purposes, and deliver data in the generic format we’ve chosen for our new feature.

Quandl (https://www.quandl.com/) Quandl offers a variety of data, including both free and premium subscriptions to historical pricing databases with daily updates. Their security and index pricing data uses a compatible format for our uploader. Quandl offers data outside of securities and has tools to access data programmatically, which are not needed for our update process. Quandl bases its licensure on the number of users accessing the data instead of the intended use of the data.

Alternate Sources

Morningstar Open Indexes Project (http://corporate1.morningstar.com/Morningstar-Global-Indexes/) Morningstar releases pricing details for their own, open-source indexes. These can be used to benchmark accounts at no cost, though the data needs to be slightly reformatted before upload into Advisors Assistant.

FIS MarketMap Data (http://www.fisglobal.com/) FIS Global is a leading name in financial services and offers data with licenses for institutional use. They provide services above and beyond those needed by many of our users, but are able to meet the needs of firms looking for high volume or unusual data sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free sources for index data?  The most commonly used index data is released commercially and you will need to subscribe to a service that provides the data.  Services that provide this information tend to have a licensing level for individual use, commercial use where you provide information derived the data, and commercial use where you redistribute the data.  Providing client performance reports with period comparable returns would generally fall into the middle category.  Some indexes, like those offered by Morningstar, are totally free by design.  Others are offered freely for uses that derive results from the data, such as the Wiki EOD Stock Prices or Nasdaq Global OMX Index feeds through Quandl.com.

Are there sources that deliver files by automatically?  We’re not aware of any services that deliver files via email.  EODData and Quandl do have delivery via API, but Advisors Assistant does not use this method of obtaining files at this time.

Can I create my own files?  Yes!  You would only need to have a spreadsheet with the appropriate headers, add the right data into the relevant fields, and save it in a .CSV (Comma Separated Value) format.  Of course, you only need to do this if you have a way to create mass data update files – you can already manually update index values on individual dates in Advisors Assistant.

What file format and/or options should I choose?  Some data providers, like EODData, offer format options when you sign up for their service.  For EODData you should choose .CSV file type, choose to have headers in your file, and select “No Software” as the target.  Similar options may be available at other providers.