Bloomberg

Instructions and tips for getting started on the Bloomberg Professional terminals for research in business, finance, real estate and economics.

Help

Hit <HELP> twice to obtain assistance or formulae from the analyst help desk.


Type BU; hit <GO>. Choose documents and follow prompts to retrieve guides on downloading.


Consider a class on downloading (click on the Training and Help section of this guide for information).

Downloading WIithin Bloomberg Software

  • Downloading is limited. Use the export features within the software where possible first, instead of the Excel Plug-In.
     
  • Set criteria to customize extractions as much as possible before exporting. Extract daily or intraday data for small intervals at a time.
     
  • Output to Excel: If this command appears in the red bar within your screen, Bloomberg easily can download displayed data into Excel on the terminal.  Excel should open automatically.
     
  • The Export command in the gray menu bar is not an option.
     
  • **Note** Not all Bloomberg data can be exported.  Please contact the Bloomberg Help Desk with questions.

Downloading Via API (Excel Plug-In)

**NOTE** Bloomberg's downloading capacity is limited. Once permissible daily or monthly thresholds are reached through the Bloomberg Excel Plug-In, Bloomberg blocks this feature for the university.

To prevent problems, please refine criteria as much as possible in advance.  Use the export features in the Bloomberg software instead. Contact your librarians to learn about additional databases with downloading capabilities.

 

To Use the Bloomberg Excel Add-In:
  • Open Excel on the terminal.  Within Excel, click on Bloomberg from the menu bar to explore options.
  • Create specific formulae, or choose a template and follow the prompts to specify criteria to extract.
  • Consult Bloomberg's in-depth guide to downloading and exporting data through your account on the terminal (Type BU, then choose Bloomberg Documents.).


Statistical Software (STATA, SPSS)

Bloomberg expects users to analyze data while at the terminal or manipulate further through a statistical software package on the terminal. SPSS is available at the Harbor East campus. STATA is available through other library terminals.