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Module 02: Finding & Viewing Data

In this module you will find data in the portal and look at it: open master data records, chart a timeseries over different ranges, and step through the daily versions of a forward curve.

Learning Objectives​

By the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Find master data records and data items with filters and search terms
  • Open a timeseries, chart it and read its values and properties
  • Open a forward curve, choose an ondate and read its contracts
  • Keep the items you use often in a favourite group

Prerequisites​

Example data

This module uses the public ECB foreign exchange rates, for example #ECB_FX.EURGBP:SPOT, which every tenant can see. If your developers have set up the training scenario from the Technical track, you can also look at the MY.GAS.HUB record and its data, such as MY.GAS.HUB:SETTLEMENT_PRICE.

Step 1: Find a Master Data Record​

  1. Go to Master Data
  2. Choose the source: public for OpenDataDSL's data, or private for your company's own
  3. Type ECB EURGBP into the search box, or use Add filter to filter on a property such as source
  4. Select the #ECB_FX.EURGBP record in the list

The record opens showing its properties and the data items attached to it. Selecting a data item lets you inspect and chart that data.

Narrow your search

Remember that all the words you type must match. ECB alone finds every ECB record; ECB EURGBP finds just the one you want. See Module 01 for the other search operators.

Step 2: Browse Data Directly​

If you already know roughly which timeseries or curve you want, the Data screen is often quicker. It gives direct access to every timeseries and curve you are entitled to, and lets you filter, find, chart and export.

  1. Go to Data
  2. Choose the public source
  3. Type EURGBP in the search box
  4. Select #ECB_FX.EURGBP:SPOT

Step 3: Read a TimeSeries​

A timeseries opens with a chart at the top and a table of values underneath.

A timeseries in the portal, with the chart, range buttons and table

PartWhat it does
Data and Properties tabsSwitch between the values and the timeseries' own information, such as calendar, currency and units
Range buttonsChoose how much history to show, such as 1M, 1Q, 1Y or ALL in the screenshot above
Timezone listShow the values in another timezone, useful for intraday data
TableEvery value with its date. The filter box above it narrows the rows
Gaps in the data

A timeseries has a calendar that says which dates should have a value, such as business days only. A date on the calendar with no value is shown as a gap (for example NaN in the table), which is a quick way to spot missing data.

Step 4: Read a Forward Curve​

A forward curve is a snapshot of prices for future delivery periods, taken on one valuation date, the ondate. Curves are stored by ondate, and saving a curve again for the same ondate creates a new version of it.

Open a curve from a master data record or the Data screen. Curves are shown with a chart of the contracts, a calendar of ondates and a table:

A forward curve in the portal, with the ondate calendar and contracts table

  1. In the calendar, the highlighted dates are the ondates that have a curve. Select one to show that day's curve
  2. Read the table: each row is a contract
ColumnMeaning
TenorThe relative contract code, such as M01 (front month) or Q02
AbsoluteThe actual delivery period, such as 2021M11
ExpiryWhen the contract expires
Start and EndThe delivery period dates
ValueThe price
Relative and absolute tenors

M01 always means "next month" from the ondate, so it points to a different delivery month as time passes. The Absolute column tells you which real month it is on the selected ondate.

Recent releases also let you compare versions of a curve and see how a tenor has changed over time. Look for these options on the curve screen in your portal.

Step 5: Keep What You Use​

Rather than searching every day, add the items you use often to a favourite group:

  1. With the item selected, select the Add to group button
  2. Add it to your My training items group from Module 01, or create a new group
  3. Next time, open Favourites on the Data screen and select the group

Step 6: Get the Data Out (optional)​

You have several no-code ways to take data away:

  • Excel Add-in: pull timeseries and curves straight into a worksheet and refresh them later. This is covered in Modules 03 to 05.
  • Export extension: if it is installed in your tenant, Operations, Export data exports timeseries, curves, event lists and master data as CSV, Excel, JSON and other formats, on demand or on a schedule. See Exporting data.

Exercise​

  1. Open #ECB_FX.EURGBP:SPOT and switch the chart between one month and one year
  2. Open the Properties tab. What calendar does the timeseries use?
  3. Find the timeseries for the euro against the US dollar from the same source and add it to your favourite group
  4. Find any public forward curve (try filtering the Data screen for curves) and select two different ondates. How did the front month value change?
  5. If the training scenario is set up, open MY.GAS.HUB and list the data items attached to it

Summary​

TaskWhere
Find a recordMaster Data, choose the source, search or Add filter
Find a timeseries or curveData, choose the source, search
Change the chart rangeThe range buttons above the table
Choose a curve dateThe ondate calendar on the curve
Read contractsTenor, Absolute, Expiry, Start, End and Value columns
Keep items handyAdd to group, then Favourites

Further reading: Web Portal guide, Find Data, Extracting Data

Next Step

In Module 03 you will install and sign in to the Excel Add-in.