Recent inflationary pressures have resulted in a resurgence of interest in consumer spending habits. In this report, we review a study from the United States Federal Reserve on how consumer search affects price dispersion during periods of inflation.

In this review, we summarise a paper that builds a financial sentiment indicator using X (Twitter) data to forecast next-day stock market returns and monetary policy shocks. The high-frequency and real-time nature of social media data (particularly from Twitter) can be monitored in time with the changing landscape of US monetary activity.

SEC visits are associated with negative stock returns and reduced insider trading. Here, we summarise a paper that uses mobile location data to track SEC officials’ site visits, which are analysed against companies’ stock performance and insider trading activity.

Statistical agencies publish consumption figures that rely heavily on household surveys that are limited in sample size, reporting errors and time lags. In this review, we summarise a paper that uses alternative sources of consumer transaction data to analyse the impact of interest rate changes on consumer purchasing behaviours. The high-frequency nature of credit-card data can provide a more precise measure of consumer spending, which can be more accurately matched with the timing of monetary policy shocks.

Unpredictable climate policies create challenges for investors, businesses and consumers. This paper explores the effects of such uncertainty on financial markets in the US and China.

We look at a report that examines the effect of domestic investors’ behaviour on the Indian stock market after Covid-19, highlighting the roles of financial literacy, technological innovation and external events.

We look at a study that suggests pleasant weather can reduce market volatility. While far from conclusive, the study shows how such insights can be used to develop trading strategies.

As datasets gain more users, opportunities for alpha can often be diluted. We summarise a paper that investigates the impacts of crowding and the triggers of alpha decay.

We summarise a paper focusing on Sudan’s civil war that highlights how alternative data can provide a better understanding of conflict activity and its impact on investments.

Does the announcement of investor conferences in Taiwan’s semiconductor sector positively influence stock prices? We look at a local study that considers the data.