Alternative data refers to data that is not traditionally used in financial analysis and includes sources such as mainstream media, social media, cell phone data, sensor data, business processes, and satellite imagery. 

With advances in technology, this data is easier, faster and cheaper to access. This coupled with advances in computing power and analytics have led to a surge in interest from investment firms, who are increasingly looking to alternative data to provide insight that will give them an edge in the market place.  

Alternative data is used to identify investment opportunities; assist in risk management; measure  consumer sentiment; understand supply chains; and in the identification of changing trends.

Belo Investment Research specializes in sourcing and analyzing alternative data to develop intelligence that enables investment managers to anticipate market movements ahead of time and generate returns.

Research of alternative data, use of web-intelligence, and automated data collection techniques, including data architecture solutions.

Evaluation of unstructured data sources with an emphasis on high-frequency data including foot traffic, energy generation and consumption, social network location, and financial transaction data.

Customized surveys and channel checks to understand supply chains, competition, consumer sentiment, and business and product overviews.Research and consolidation of regional databases, including extraction, public data requirements, and requests for access to information.

Quantitative modelling using machine learning, financial and econometric techniques, with specialization in the analysis of the predictive power of indicators and back-testing of investment strategies.

The use of advanced analytics, including big data and artificial intelligence algorithms to capture signals from unstructured data visualization, and dashboarding

Market analysis including the assessment of competitive dynamics and antitrust issues; analysis of regulations, commodity and currency markets; capital structure and macroeconomic trends.

Use of a journalistic-investigative method to identify risks and opportunities for companies, sectors, and countries.

Research tailored to potential and existing investments, in the form of concise reports, calls, presentations, or other suitable formats.

Discovery of investment and sector-specific specialists in search of targeted comments and opinions.

Real-time monitoring and updates of events, such as public hearings, conferences, sector conventions and press conferences.

Continuous monitoring of news on companies, sectors, and topics, including national and international publications.