Data and Statistics: Bloomberg

Bloomberg is a global financial markets database providing economic and business news, analytics, real time pricing for over 5 million securities world-wide. It also includes extensive historical pricing and stock charts.

Bloomberg is traditionally only available in the Library building but Brunel have signed up to the Bloomberg 'Disaster Recovery' service, meaning that during the current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bloomberg is available to access online. A limited number of people can use the online Bloomberg service at one time so it is very important that you use the booking system when you want to use Bloomberg.

To use Bloomberg if you already have a Bloomberg username and password (set up at Brunel - not a previous institution). Follow the instructions in this FAQ:

If you don’t already have a Bloomberg username and password, or your previous login has lapsed, you need to set one up or renew your old login, via the Bloomberg for Education portal. Follow the instructions in this FAQ:

• A "getting started" guide has been created by Bloomberg and provides an overview of, and how to navigate and search, the resource.

• The Bloomberg Market Concepts e-learning programme, with certification, is a great way to learn to use the database - see the box below for details on how to access the BMC.
• In Bloomberg, type in HELP or BU (Bloomberg University) for access to resources which can help with learning to use the terminal.
• We will be relaunching our Bloomberg LibSmart workshops soon, over Zoom. Details will be in the box below.

Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) is a self-paced e-learning course that provides an interactive introduction to the financial markets. The course helps you learn to use Bloomberg through an exploration of financial market concepts.

It consists of 3 parts:

• Core Concepts which comprises an introduction plus 4 modules – Economics, Currencies, Fixed Income and Equities
• Getting Started with the Terminal
• Portfolio Management.

You will receive a certificate on completion of the course which you can add to your CV.

BMC is usually available through the Bloomberg Terminal or online at a cost. However due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, BMC has been offered freely online for staff and students.

If you are an existing user, login to your account with the link below.

Accessing your existing BMC account

New users will need to create an account using their Brunel University email address and join a class.

Setting up a new BMC account

Contact your Academic Liaison Librarian for the class code.

Academic Liaison Librarian

These events will be held online as standard - Bloomberg workshops will be on Zoom. A link and passcode for access will be in the calendar event emailed out to people who register.

Getting Started with Bloomberg

An introduction to the financial markets database, covering: what’s available, booking a terminal and setting up an account, finding your way around, getting help. Including Equities (GP, FA, SPLC, EQS); Equity Indices (WEI); Industries (BI); Economics (ECST, BECO).

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Using Bloomberg with Excel

Covering exporting data from Bloomberg, downloading the Excel add-in, using the Spreadsheet Builder to import time series and static data, accessing templates, the basics of using formulas to build functions.

Attendees at this seminar should have previously attended Getting Started with Bloomberg, or have past experience using Bloomberg.

See below a Panopto recording demonstrating most of the content usually covered in the Using Bloomberg with Excel class:

Bloomberg certification

An overview of the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) e-learning module: how to access and work through it, and how completing it can benefit employability, especially for those seeking careers in finance and investment. 

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Access to Bloomberg is currently only available online. There are currently 7 Bloomberg terminals available for Brunel students and researchers to access simultaneously. Continuing students should note that the Financial Resources Suite, where Bloomberg was previously available, is currently closed. 

Each slot is one hour long, and you can book up to three hours a day, up to a week in advance. Bookings are available 24 hours a day.

At the time of your booking, you must Check in, following the instructions in the booking email you will receive, to confirm that you are making use of your booking. You can check in up to 30 minutes before your booking time starts. If you do not check in by 30 minutes after your booking has started, the booking will be cancelled. We will get in touch with people who regularly don't check in to ensure you understand the importance of making use of the booking system. 

There may be times when no Bloomberg terminals are available due to being booked out for teaching. Ensuring availability during classes is one reason why booking when you will be using Bloomberg is so important.

• Please respect that by making a booking you are making a commitment to use the database at the confirmed time. If you no longer need to use a booking please be sure to cancel your booking via the link in the confirmation email, so that another student or researcher can make use of it.
   
• You must check-in via the link in the confirmation email.  Check-in is open 30 minutes before your book-in begins, and can be done up to 30 minutes after the start of your booking time. If you do not check in then the booking will become available to other people. People who do not check-in multiple times will be contacted by their librarian to check understanding of the importance of using the booking system.
   
• At the end of your booking time, please ensure that you close down Bloomberg so that access is available for other people who have booked, or for use in classes.  You may want to set yourself a reminder to do this.