As the dust settles on the GME short squeeze of January 2021, the question remains: is r/WallStreetBets here to stay? This report considers the history and influence of online communities within investment management, as well the alternative data vendors that keep a watchful eye over them. We also ask, what next?

If you were to search “patent data” on Google today, you will likely be met with an endless list of data vendors and analytics providers, all with their unique product/proposition on patent data. In this Intelligence report, we go back to basics – explaining the patent data market as it stands, as well as delving into the key cohorts that are currently appearing within patent data.

Last week, auto giants Ford and Jaguar announced their commitment to go fully electric by 2030 in an effort to meet CO2 emission targets set by regulators. With the auto industry continuing to reinforce their position in the electric vehicle market, we highlight the alternative datasets available for measuring EV supply chains, production, charging infrastructure, and sales performance.

We discuss Google’s decision to replace third party browser cookies with their proprietary FLoC solution. We also cover the alternative datasets we expect to be affected as the firm begin to phase out cookies by 2022.

Consumer transaction data is arguably the star of the alternative data world, yet for those seeking coverage beyond the US, supply has historically been limited. This is now starting to change, driven in particular by European developments in open banking.

We introduce private equity investors to the conventional and alternative datasets available for use, such as consumer transactions, sentiment, geolocation, financial, and employment data.

Are two heads better than one? Is there indeed strength in numbers? We review consensus data resources from the sell-side, buy-side, retail investing, credit rating, and economist communities. We also consider the various forms of prediction markets, betting markets, and platforms for crowdsourced trade ideas.

Tracking air, land and sea freight can provide a lens into global trade flows and offers a gauge for global demand. In this report we summarise 1) the different types of freight data, 2) vendors that offer timely trade insights, and 3) outline where to find free sources of freight data.

Transactional data has always been heralded best-in-class alt data. As traditional credit/debit card panels face their own limitations, we revisit e-receipt panels discussed in our previous spotlight article and expand on physical receipt datasets that can provide additional colour on consumer transactions.

We recap the ten most-read Intelligence reports of 2020. We also hear directly from Neudata’s analysts to understand why these ten were the breakout reports amongst investors.