What is the significance of alternative data in Wall Street trading?

Alternative data has become increasingly significant in Wall Street trading in recent years. The growth in alternative data is due to the vast amount of information available from a variety of sources, including social media, satellite imagery, credit card transactions, and other non-traditional sources. This data is now being used by traders and investors to identify trends, forecast market movements, and make better investment decisions.

Alternative data is particularly useful in trading because it provides insights into areas of the market that traditional data sources may not cover. For example, social media data can provide a window into consumer sentiment and behavior, while satellite imagery can provide real-time information on things like shipping and transportation activity. Credit card transactions can provide insights into consumer spending patterns, and web traffic data can provide insights into consumer interest and behavior.

Alternative data has become a vital tool for traders and investors, helping them to uncover new opportunities and gain an edge over their competitors. As the amount of data available continues to grow, the use of alternative data is likely to become even more widespread and influential in Wall Street trading.