Industry Information

Industry information databases allow you to take a big picture approach and look at the wider averages and baselines of industry financials. Some useful resources in this area are:

• ABI/Inform Trade & Industry [2]: Journal and magazine articles.
  • Use for: Developing basic understanding of an industry, quick overviews of key players within an industry, searching for industry-specific news and current topics.
     
• CEIC Data [3]: A data-intensive set of industry and regional reports. All data can be downloaded to a spreadsheet manager for stronger analysis and number-crunching. Be aware: Incompatible with Google Chrome. UTS subscribes to premium data from China, Indonesia, Russia, India and Brazil but all countries are covered.
  • Use for: Situations requiring precise numbers and specifics; financial analysis.
     
• EMIS: Emerging Markets Information Service [4]: A mix of financial data and wider-picture industry analysis with a focus on BRIC and emerging economies. Leans more to the reports than data, but nearly all tables are exportable to spreadsheet software.
  • Use for: Developing understanding of BRIC/Emerging Economy industries; data-gathering on BRIC/emerging economies where other options have failed.
     
• IBIS World [5]: Some of the most well-regarded industry reports available; contains Australian information on industry scale, risks and opportunities, major players and more.
  • Use for: Understanding Australian industries in general, but with considerable detail. Excellent for understanding the corporate players of an industry and how they fit into the landscape.
     
• Marketline Advantage [6]: Industry reports with a simple interface. Reports feature good detail and are aimed at potential investors.
  • Use for: Developing an understanding of an industry, particularly in regards to its potential for growth and expansion.
     
• Passport GMID (Global Marketing Information Database) [7]: Industry information with a focus on demographics and consumer information; aimed at marketing strategy.
  • Use for: Understanding the customer dynamics of a particular industry.