Across Neudata's coverage universe we evaluate which alternative data providers could have helped investors detect the group’s collapse. We describe six very different offerings and the read-across between the output from their data and Carillion. Where possible, we have also asked each data provider for their own thoughts on this specific case study.

Using alternative data sourced from a provider on Neudata's platform, this study analyses foot traffic across the top 7 US retail stores over the 2017 holiday period (Walmart, Target, The Home Depot, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and Best Buy). We identify what we believe to be the most interesting conclusions and limitations of the study.

And could one have reached the same conclusion with less effort? Earlier this month an analyst at Jeffries published a report regarding online estate agent Purplebricks which was at odds with the CEO’s comments. Specifically, the CEO had stated that 88% of Purplebricks’ customers sold their homes within 10 months. Conversely, Jeffries suggested the actual figure may be closer to 51%. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Purplebricks shares fell 7% on the day the report was published.

We highlight findings from one of our hotel data sources on trends in 2017 and what to expect in 2018. We believe these findings could give helpful insights for macro investors but for those with a stock-specific focus we also recommend readers take a look at the three reports we have published (see links below). Lastly, we recommend hotel occupancy indicators offered by another alternative data provider.

A blast at Austria’s Baumgarten import hub cut gas flows from Russia and forced Italy to declare a day-long state of emergency for energy supplies. We list three event-based alternative data providers who helped ensure their clients were among the first in the investor world to be aware of such events.