Cost of ‘alternative data’ seen as prohibitive

Fund managers used to rely chiefly on research from their sell-side trading counterparties, but today they have as much real-time access to news and information as their dealers. But that means finding an edge is harder – and more expensive – than ever, noted Greenwich Associates in a report released this week.* Indeed, the biggest obstacle to obtaining ‘alternative data’ – such as logistics or private company information – is the high cost, said asset managers surveyed for the re…