We provide an overview of the significant wide-ranging implications of oil and fuel theft, including its negative impact on oil and gas companies, governments, and economic growth. We also share a brief analysis by a supply chain risk intelligence data provider, which showcases how alternative data can be used to identify and analyse the extent of illegal pipeline tapping in a particular region.

Our roundup of some of the most interesting alternative data provider updates over the past month. Examples include: mobile data provider misery (courtesy of Apple), Brexit helping a Neudata-listed pharmaceutical data provider sell more data, and emojis assisting your sentiment analysis (depending on your viewpoint).

House Price Indices are one of the most closely observed economic indicators in the world, especially since the global recession in 2008. However, various government and private organisations rely on proprietary and/or public datasets to produce their own interpretation of an HPI. We evaluate some of the leading HPIs in the UK (construction methods, outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages) and highlight relevant alternative data sources for readers interested in constructing a more appropriate HPI for their needs.

We highlight key findings from an academic paper which analyses whether WTI crude oil price movements can be forecast based on daily traffic and sentiment analysis of four different online media platforms. We also highlight why several Neudata-listed alternative data providers may be useful for readers interested in using a similar approach to crude oil price forecasting.

A recent survey of 80 hedge funds by AIMA found that almost 40% of respondents are already engaging in responsible investing practices. However, data quality issues appear to be the biggest barrier to increasing such initiatives. For quants, these data limitations have made building systematic strategies particularly challenging. At Neudata, we see evidence of this changing as a result of alternative data addressing the many quality-related shortfalls plaguing the industry.

Our roundup of some of the most interesting alternative data provider updates over the past month. Examples include: a procurement data provider signs up a NY-based quant fund, a clickstream data provider receives its fair share of negative press and an e-receipt data provider reveals their panel has dropped by 75%.

We highlight key findings from a commodity alternative data provider's recent backtest on their US corn production forecasts. The results establish that the group’s forecasts lead USDA estimates, market consensus, and corn futures closing prices. Neudata are the first third party to be made aware of these results.

Neudata has combined insights from multiple empirical studies to provide 1) an overview of potential use cases for AIS-derived vessel tracking data, 2) a case study investigating the alignment of AIS-based trade estimates and official customs statistics, 3) an introduction to AIS data challenges, and 4) advice for data buyers.