Apps for Financial Analyst
Access to market news and reliable data is essential for every financial analyst, and the proliferation of high-quality mobile finance apps has significantly streamlined this process.
These applications offer business professionals a comprehensive suite of tools, including virtual portfolios, advanced calculators, and real-time data streaming, all designed to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
While many of these apps come at a cost, they are widely accessible across both Android and Apple platforms, ensuring broad usability.
By integrating the Big Data movement into a portable format, these apps empower analysts to access critical information swiftly, a crucial advantage in financial markets where timely and accurate data drives success.
1. Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) App
FRED, or Federal Reserve Economic Data, is an indispensable tool for financial professionals, offering unparalleled access to over 820,000 data series spanning international and domestic markets.
This free application, available on both Android and Apple platforms, enables users to monitor macroeconomic and microeconomic trends, download detailed graphs and charts, and generate custom presentations efficiently. A key strength of FRED lies in its extensive historical data, allowing analysts to conduct in-depth trend analysis and leverage past insights for informed decision-making.
Among its many features, the app’s customizable charting functionality stands out as particularly valuable for financial analysts, streamlining the creation of reports and presentations. Compiled from 114 sources and maintained by the St. Louis Fed, FRED’s database is comprehensive, though its depth and complexity may initially appear daunting. New users are advised to familiarize themselves with the interface to fully harness its capabilities.
2. Becker's CPA Exam Review
The Becker Professional Development Corporation provides two specialized applications tailored for aspiring accountants, available on both Android and Apple platforms.
The CPA Exam Review App delivers comprehensive resources, including lectures, review materials, and quizzes, covering critical areas such as financial reporting, taxation, and information systems. Additionally, Becker offers an innovative study tool, "Becker Accounting for Empires," a Sims-style mobile game designed to reinforce learning through engagement.
In this game, users build and expand their virtual empires by correctly answering CPA exam questions, blending education with an interactive and strategic approach to exam preparation. These tools collectively enhance the learning experience, making complex accounting concepts more accessible and engaging.
3. uValue App
The uValue App is a specialized tool designed for financial analysts and investors focused on corporate valuations, developed by two renowned academics: Aswath Damodaran of NYU Stern and Anant Sundaram of Dartmouth.
The app incorporates four standard valuation formulas—weighted average cost of capital (WACC), adjusted present value (APV), real options valuation (ROV), and dividend growth model (DGM)—alongside essential calculators for metrics like levered/unlevered beta and exchange-rate forecasts.
While uValue is a powerful resource, its advanced functionality assumes users possess a strong grasp of valuation techniques and financial statement analysis.
The app operates as a standalone calculator without integrated data resources, making it ideal for quick, on-the-fly valuations. Although free and highly educational, its accessibility is limited, as it is exclusively available for iPhones and iPads, which may restrict its usability for some professionals.
4. Accenture Interactive
In May 2015, Accenture, a global IT provider, introduced a suite of new applications through its Accenture Digital division, now rebranded as Accenture Song.
This initiative aligned with the company’s strategic emphasis on analytics services, tailored to support decision-makers in the banking and insurance sectors. Among the released applications, the mobile app designed for wealth managers stands out as particularly relevant for financial professionals.
While the Accenture platform does not introduce groundbreaking innovations, its value lies in the convenience of accessing a range of integrated tools from a single, trusted source, streamlining workflows for analysts and managers alike.
5. TheStreet App
TheStreet's mobile application extends the platform’s financial news and education services to iPhone and Android users, ensuring seamless access to key market insights.
It consolidates a broad range of content, including real-time financial analysis, expert commentary, investment strategies, and technical evaluations. The integration of TheStreet Ratings, a proprietary stock evaluation model, enhances decision-making by providing independent assessments of equities.
Designed to deliver a comprehensive user experience, the app incorporates multimedia elements such as videos, in-depth reports, and live market data, equipping investors with essential tools for informed financial management.
6. Refinitiv Eikon App
This app offers a robust solution for iOS and Android users, providing real-time market data, including up-to-the-minute profit and loss metrics. Portfolio tracking is streamlined for ease of use, allowing users to efficiently monitor their investments.
Customizable alerts offer flexibility for tracking individual stocks, hedge funds, and other assets, while direct access to streaming prices ensures timely information.
Market reports are sourced in collaboration with Reuters, ensuring reliable, high-quality updates. The app also features web access and a Google Chrome extension, further enhancing user accessibility and functionality.
7. CNBC Business News and Finance App
The CNBC app delivers comprehensive financial news coverage across multiple devices, catering to both beginners and experienced analysts. It provides access to the same news content available on CNBC, ensuring users stay informed of market developments.
While not designed to simplify analytical tasks, the app serves as a valuable tool for tracking financial trends. Features include video streaming, data research capabilities, and interactive charting, supporting users in monitoring market movements and making informed decisions.
A wide range of financial applications supports professionals in managing investments, tracking stock performance, and staying informed on business news. The expanding selection includes tools for mobile investing, market analysis, and exam preparation, ensuring accessibility across various needs.
These solutions enable seamless connectivity, allowing users to remain informed and engaged whether at home, in the office, or traveling without access to a computer.