Datastream holds the Historical and Current Summary databases from I/B/E/S. These databases primarily provide earnings forecasting data. These databases are accessible by simply appending the correct I/B/E/S datatype to your company code.

For help finding I/B/E/S datatypes, enter HELP IBES? in the "Program Number" area in the main Datastream window. Follow the download.mac for instructions on entering and running a macro.

NOTE: Forecasts predict into the future. The download program assumes one is going to the present, unless one specifies otherwise. Use an appropriate future end date.

I/B/E/S*: has international earnings forecasts dating back to 1971. Aggregate access is through Datastream International. Datastream holds the Historical and Current Summary databases from I/B/E/S. I/B/E/S provides information on over 15,000 companies in 42 countries. More then 7,000 financial analysts representing over 750 institutions continually contribute earnings expectations data to I/B/E/S. I/B/E/S Current Summary data on Datastream is updated on a weekly basis, the Historical Database is updated on a monthly basis. It includes Global Aggregates a tool for forecasts of 47 countries and major international indices. For analyst by analyst data or a more organized approach, use WRDS. In addition to needing a WRDS password, user must submit a request to I/B/E/S for using the data (available from the WRDS homepage).

Economic forecasts are provided by Consensus Economics, the Economist Intelligence Unit, the OECD, and the WIIW (Wiener Institut fur Internationale Wirtschafsvergleiche).

Consensus Economics undertakes monthly and bi-monthly surveys of over 350 prominent economists to obtain their 2-year forecasts and views on most nations. The forecasts are normally updated monthly, around the middle of the month, except for Latin American countries which are updated every two months. For more information, enter 150Z 82 in the "Program Number" area in the main window.

The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts are normally updated monthly, in the second week on a rotating three-month cycle. In general each series is stored as an annual time series beginning in the mid-1980s and ending four years from the present. Data prior to the current year are actual historical figures and data for the current year and the upcoming four years are forecast figures. When a new forecast is received, the old forecast is discarded. Most nations are covered. For more information, enter 150Z 84 in the "Program Number" area in the main window.

The OECD Economic Outlook is normally updated every six months, at the end of June and the end of December. The OECD member states as well as some specialized regions are covered. Forecasts are for the current year plus the next year. For more information, enter 150Z 86 in the "Program Number" area in the main window.

The WIIW (Wiener Institut fur Internationale Wirtschafsvergleiche) forecasts are normally updated in the middle of each quarter. Data is provided for the following countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Republic of Slovenia, Slovak Republic, and Ukraine. For more information, enter 150Z 80 in the "Program Number" area in the main window.