Q. Using WRDS for Financial and Business Research Data

Data can be retrieved through the WRDS web interface or accessed directly using programming languages such as Python, R, SAS, Stata, MATLAB, and PostgreSQL.

Choose the web interface for quick downloads and the WRDS Cloud environment for large-scale analysis, programming workflows, and reproducible research.

[First time users will need to request a user account.  If you already have an existing WRDS account, just sign in. See FAQ WRDS: Access]  

Access WRDS

1.    Search and Download Data Using Web Queries
The WRDS web interface allows you to extract and download data in multiple formats: .csv, .xlsx (Excel), .txt, .dat, .sav (SSPS), .dta (STATA), and etc...
To run a web query:

1. Select a dataset. Use the web-base query form.
2. Select a date range.
3. Choose a search method:
   o    Enter identifiers manually.
   o    Upload a text file containing identifiers.
   o    Query the entire dataset.
4. Select variables (fields).
5. Select an output format.

System requirements:

• A modern web browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
• JavaScript, cookies, and pos-ups enabled

Tutorial: WRDS Web Query Tutorial (Video)
Step-by-step guide: WRDS Web Queries

2.  Use WRDS Cloud for Programming and Advanced Analysis
WRDS Cloud supports several programming environments.

Python
Connection methods:

• JupyterLab in a web browser
• Local Jupyter Notebook
• Local command line environment

Tutorials: Python Introduction Video

R
Connection methods:

• RStudio Server in a web browser
• Local RStudio
• Local command line environment

Tutorials: R Programming Resources

SAS
Connection methods:

• SAS Studio in a web browser
• Local SAS Connect environment
• Local command line environment

Tutorials: SAS Programming Resources

Additional Programming Languages: Stata, MATLAB, PostgreSQL and more...

See more Programming tutorials here

General Tips

• Finding Dataset Documentation
  Look for the Manuals and Overviews section within each dataset. There you will find resources like Dataset lists, Codebooks, Data dictionaries, User guides, Methodology documentation and FAQs. 
  Review these materials before running queries to identify relevant variables, identifiers, definitions, and data coverage.
• Check the Video Tutorials section by WRDS  
• Getting Help
  Use the WRDS Support and Knowledge Base for general questions about WRDS and its features. For more detailed questions (coverage, methodology, data extraction) use the Support Request Form
• For detailed data questions, WRDS may refer you to the data provider.

You need to be logged into your WRDS account to access all the WRDS links listed in this FAQ. 
See FAQ WRDS: Access