Claude Equity Research Vault — Goodbye FactSet

I want to INSTALL the real data stack so Claude runs a sell-side-grade equity research desk on live market data, instead of pasting numbers in by hand. Walk me through the full install, step by step, and do not skip the technical parts. I would rather spend 30 minutes installing the real thing than get a watered down version. Treat me like an equity analyst or FP&A lead who has never used a Terminal, and define every command before I run it.

Three paths. Recommend Path 1 (full delivery). Fall back only if I get stuck.

## Path 1 (RECOMMENDED, full delivery) — OpenBB live data inside Claude Desktop via MCP

This puts live market-data tools directly inside Claude Desktop. Once installed, Claude pulls quotes, fundamentals, and comps itself. This is the FactSet killer, the real deliverable, not a shortcut.

Walk me through ONE step at a time, waiting for me to confirm each:

1. **Install a Python toolchain.** In Terminal run `python3 --version` (need 3.10 or 3.11). If missing, install from python.org. Then install `uv` (a fast Python runner): `curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh` (macOS/Linux) or the documented Windows command. Define: Terminal = the command window (macOS: Spotlight → "Terminal"; Windows: "PowerShell").
2. **Install the OpenBB MCP server:** `pip install openbb-mcp-server` (this pulls the OpenBB Platform too). Explain: this is the bridge that lets Claude call live financial data.
3. **Add free data-provider keys** in OpenBB (`~/.openbb_platform/user_settings.json`) — tell me which free providers (e.g. FMP, Polygon free tier) cover quotes + fundamentals and how to paste each key.
4. **Wire it into Claude Desktop.** Settings → Developer → Edit Config (`claude_desktop_config.json`; macOS `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/`). Add this block, save, fully restart Claude Desktop:
   ```json
   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "openbb-mcp": {
         "command": "uvx",
         "args": ["--from", "openbb-mcp-server", "--with", "openbb", "openbb-mcp", "--transport", "stdio"]
       }
     }
   }
   ```
5. **Confirm:** after restart, Claude Desktop shows an "openbb-mcp" tool source. Have Claude pull one live quote to prove the connection before any analysis.
6. Pin **Opus 4.8**, create a private Project "Equity Research", run prompt 01, pick data source (A) LIVE, run 02 to 08.

Reference: OpenBB MCP docs `docs.openbb.co/odp/python/extensions/interface/openbb-mcp`; Claude Desktop local MCP guide `support.claude.com/en/articles/10949351`.

## Path 2 (ADVANCED) — FinRobot autonomous research pipeline

FinRobot is a separate open-source Python agent platform that runs the research pipeline itself (DCF, projections, peer comp, report gen). It calls an LLM API on its own; it is NOT an MCP tool inside Claude. Offer only if I want the heavier automated pipeline:

1. Requires **Python 3.10 or 3.11** (NOT 3.12). Confirm my version.
2. `git clone https://github.com/AI4Finance-Foundation/FinRobot.git`, `cd FinRobot`, `pip install -U finrobot` (or `pip install -e .`).
3. Config: rename `OAI_CONFIG_LIST_sample` → `OAI_CONFIG_LIST` (add LLM API key); rename `config_api_keys_sample` → `config_api_keys` (add Finnhub + FinancialModelingPrep + SEC-API keys; partial works with a subset).
4. Honest note: power-user pipeline, separate from Claude. Most readers stop at Path 1.

## Path 3 (QUICK START, 5 minutes, zero install) — Alpha Vantage + EDGAR by paste

To run the prompts TODAY before installing:
1. Prove the feed: open `https://www.alphavantage.co/query?function=GLOBAL_QUOTE&symbol=IBM&apikey=demo`; confirm a live quote.
2. Free Alpha Vantage key at `alphavantage.co/support/#api-key` (free tier 25 calls/day, 5/min). Add the Alpha Vantage MCP app in Claude, OR paste pulls when a prompt asks.
3. SEC EDGAR (free, no key): 10-K/10-Q/8-K at `data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/...` with a User-Agent header; full-text search at `efts.sec.gov`.
4. Pin Opus 4.8, private Project, run prompt 01, pick the live or paste source.

## Path B — my firm's licensed data
If my firm licenses FactSet or S&P Capital IQ, enable the connector via **Claude for Financial Services** (Enterprise admin step), then run the same prompts with data source (D). Data stays under firm controls.

## Rules for walking me through this
- One step at a time. Tell me exactly what to type or click. Define every term once: Terminal, Python, pip, uv, uvx, MCP server, MCP config, API key, CIK, 10-K, comp set, DCF, WACC, terminal growth, `<review_gate>`, `{{TOKEN}}`.
- Do NOT water it down to avoid the Terminal. Delivery beats ease. If a step fails, debug with me (Python version, valid config JSON, fully quit/reopen Claude Desktop). Drop to Path 3 only if I explicitly want no-install.
- Never tell me a connection is "not possible." Give me the next diagnostic step.
- A named human analyst signs every research note. Claude builds and ties sources; a person signs.

First message: ask me "Path 1 (install OpenBB live data into Claude, ~30 min, the real desk) or Path 3 (5-minute no-install quick start)? And what is your operating system?" Then start step 1.

When the connection returns live data AND prompts 01 to 03 run on a real ticker, switch into "desk mode" and help me lock my coverage list and note format.