A FactSet alternative for equity analysts: run comps, build a DCF, read 10-Ks, and write the research note inside Claude on live market data and real SEC filings, for the price of a Claude seat.
Never used Claude? It is free and takes 30 seconds to open. Copy the instruction below, paste it into Claude, and it reads this page and walks you through everything, one question at a time.
A short instruction plus a link to this page lands on your clipboard. First copy asks for your email once. That unlocks every button across the whole library.
Free account, no card, 30 seconds. This tab stays open so you can come back.
Open claude.ai ↗Claude reads this page, asks which computer you are on, then guides you step by step until it works. If anything errors, tell Claude what you see, and it fixes it with you.
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.Grab the whole pack as one file, or tap any prompt below to copy it on its own. Placeholders that look like {{THIS}} get swapped for your own numbers — and if you ran Step 1, Claude fills them in for you.
The code is public and free. The setup instruction above installs and wires it for you. You never need to open this link.
Analysts pay $12K to $25K a seat for FactSet, S&P CapIQ, or PitchBook. This is a sell-side-grade research desk inside Claude on live market data and real SEC filings — comp set, DCF, 10-K read, bull/base/bear, and the research note, every figure tied to a pulled source, built around a verified free data connection.
The setup rail and every prompt above are free and stay free. The cost is your time, and the risk of wiring it wrong on live data.
Back to the prompts ↑We deliver a private research desk: the 10 prompts loaded into your Claude tenant, the live data connection wired (Alpha Vantage or your firm's licensed FactSet/CapIQ via Claude connectors), EDGAR reads set up for your coverage list, your house model and note format built in, and a source-tie audit gate so nothing untied ever ships — then handed over so you own it. You get terminal-grade research without the terminal bill.
Book a build call →Prompt set and build authored by consultance.ai. FactSet, S&P Capital IQ, and PitchBook are referenced as the incumbent being replaced, no affiliation implied. Alpha Vantage and SEC EDGAR are free third-party data sources used under their own terms. Your analysis stays in your own Claude tenant; we never see it. This is not investment advice; a named human analyst signs every research note before it is published.
Want this wired into your stack instead of running it yourself? That is our AI deal desk and finance automation service.
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Equity Research Desk That Replaces FactSet is a finance and data build in the consultance.ai AI Build Library. A FactSet alternative for equity analysts: run comps, build a DCF, read 10-Ks, and write the research note inside Claude on live market data and real SEC filings, for the price of a Claude seat. It fits Equity analysts, FP&A leads, fund associates, and finance directors who pay $12K to $25K a seat for FactSet, S&P CapIQ, or PitchBook and want terminal-grade research without the terminal bill. Setup difficulty is Medium, with 4 plain-English steps.
A FactSet alternative for equity analysts: run comps, build a DCF, read 10-Ks, and write the research note inside Claude on live market data and real SEC filings, for the price of a Claude seat.
It fits Equity analysts, FP&A leads, fund associates, and finance directors who pay $12K to $25K a seat for FactSet, S&P CapIQ, or PitchBook and want terminal-grade research without the terminal bill.
Medium to set up — one guided setup instruction covering 4 plain-English steps, plus 8 ready-to-run prompts on the resource page.
We would deliver a private research desk: the 10 prompts loaded into your Claude tenant, the live data connection wired (Alpha Vantage or your firm's licensed FactSet/CapIQ via Claude connectors), EDGAR filing reads set up for your coverage list, your house model and note format built in, and a source-tie audit gate so nothing untied ever ships. Done with you, then handed over so you own it.
Prompt set and build authored by consultance.ai. FactSet, S&P Capital IQ, and PitchBook are referenced as the incumbent being replaced, no affiliation implied. Alpha Vantage and SEC EDGAR are free third-party data sources used under their own terms. Your analysis stays in your own Claude tenant; we never see it. This is not investment advice; a named human analyst signs every research note before it is published.
Equity Research Desk That Replaces FactSet is the starting point. On a free AI audit we map where it fits your stack and what consultance.ai would build around it.
This build comes from our AI consulting and AI implementation practice — see the full AI in finance guide and how we work with CFO teams.