Knowledge Base
If you're looking for ESG data, see information about downloading Refinitiv ESG data.
Step 1: Connect to LSEG Workspace in Excel
- LSEG Workspace Excel Add-In access information.
Step 2: Select the Securities/Entities
If You Need to Make a List
To create current lists (e.g. all public companies currently headquartered in California) in LSEG Workspace, we recommend using the LSEG Workspace Screener. Please Ask Us for assistance creating a historically accurate list, especially if you're merging with other data sources.
- In Excel, go to the Refinitiv tab and in the Ribbon menu select the Screener button.
- To add screening criteria, follow Step 2 on these instructions.
- For public companies/securities, add identifiers to the results to make it easier to merge with other sources (we recommend ISIN, CUSIP (extended) which is the 9 digit CUSIP, Ticker Symbol, Primary RIC, and LEI). By default, the first column of the results will be the Identifer, which is the company's RIC (if referring to a security) or PermID (if referring to a private organization). To add identifiers:
- Above the results, to the right of the Add Column box select the list icon. In the left Category column, scroll down and expand the Reference & Identifiers > Identifiers.
- In the middle column, hover your cursor over the identifiers and click Add.
- At the top of the pop-up window click Insert Screen to get the results in Excel.
- Follow the instructions below to use this list of identifiers.
If You Have a List of Identifiers
Available Identifiers
- ISINs are recommended when merging with other sources.
- CUSIP (6, 8, & 9 digits)
- RICs (Reuters' Instrument Codes) are used in many LSEG (formerly Refinitiv) datasets, are based on stock tickers, but are not always reliable after a company goes private or is acquired.
- PermID - LSEG-based (formerly known as Refinitiv) open identifier used for a variety of securities and firms (including private companies). Also known as OA Permid and Organization Permid.
- Additional exchange-specific identifiers.
To Use a List of Identifiers
The number of identifiers you can pull data for at any time will vary based on how many observations you are trying to download. If you run into issues with the request timing out, reduce the number of observations you run at a time.
- In the spreadsheet, paste the identifiers in a single column; one identifier per row. Be aware of any leading zeros and make sure they aren't dropped.
- Place your cursor where you want the data to populate.
- In Excel, go to the Refinitiv tab and in the ribbon menu, select the fx icon above Build Formula.
- To the right of the Instruments text box select the Select Series from Sheet
icon. - Use your cursor to select all your identifiers. If you're using an identifier other than RICs or PermIDs, check the box next to Symbol Type and then select the correct option in the drop down menu (e.g. ISIN, CUSIP). Press Select.
- You should see the correct cell range in the Series/Lists text box.
Step 3: Select the Data Items/Variables
Tip: To avoid issues, create new formulas for each category of data:
- For static/reference/descriptive data about a company (e.g. NAICS codes, IPO date, etc.) and time-series data (e.g. daily stock prices), create separate formulas for each.
- For data at different frequencies (e.g. daily stock prices and yearly ESG scores), create separate formulas for each data frequency.
- Use the Search Data Items search box and/or browse variables by Category in the left column.
- For example, if you want a company's ESG Score, you can enter ESG Score in the Search Data Items box, or on the left under the Category column you can scroll down to the Environmental, Social and Governance section > ESG Analytics > Refinitiv ESG Scores & Grades > Overall Scores & Grades.
- The data types/variables/fields available will display in the middle Fields column.
- Click on the variable to see a definition and additional information in the right column in the Description tab. Sometimes limited information is available, so if you have questions Ask Us.
- Many variables will have additional options to select in the right column in the Parameters & Quick Functions tab. Once you've made these modifications, press Add next to the field name. Tips:
- For variables available as a time-series (e.g. data over a period of time), there will be a Series box you can select and then input the time period.
- If there is an Output option, the drop-down will allow you to select additional details to display about that variable. For example, for many ESG metrics (like a company's water usage) the output field will let you also display the source information for where Refinitiv found that information.
- Additional options vary by data type and category. There may also be a link to see more options.
- In the bottom left, click on the Layout button to chose how you want the data to display. The options available will depend on the data you've selected.
- Select a date option so that you know what date the data corresponds to (Financial Period Absolute, Calculation Date) and drag it over to the Row or Column box.
- Edit the Destination Cell to control where the data will be inserted.
- When you're done, in the bottom right click Insert.
Helpful Tips
- To edit a formula you've made, put your cursor in the cell that contains the formula (it will display in the sheet as Updated at [time]), and click fx on the Formula Builder button again.
- There is a lot of variation in LSEG Workspace depending on what type of data you're getting (e.g. stock data vs. options data vs. ESG data), if you just want the most recent values or if you want historical, time-series data. The variables, tools, filters, and presentation options available all can change depending on the type of content you're looking at.
- Ask Us if you have any questions and we can help troubleshoot issues and identify the best way to get the information you need.
Answered By: Alice Kalinowski
Jan 17, 2024