Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get multiple values from FinAnSu functions?

Many functions, particularly import functions, require the use of array formulas. Microsoft has a good, long-form explanation of array formulas that I recommend consulting if you'd like more information. Many (most?) Excel users never receive exposure to array formulas, but they are immensely useful for complex calculations.

Instead of returning a single value, some complex Excel functions are capable of returning multiple values to multiple cells. This helps save a lot of processor time as you only calculate the results once, and FinAnSu uses it for several functions. For example, instead of pulling data from Google Finance to calculate one date, then doing the same and calculating the opening price, then repeating for every day you specify, FinAnSu downloads the necessary information once, parses it, and outputs all results to a range of cells.

Using these formulas requires a slightly different input method. First, you select the cells you want the formula to apply to, then you type the formula, and then you hit Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

Consider this example using GoogleHistory:

  1. Select a range of cells, for example cells A1 through F5.
  2. Type your formula. In this case you would type something like =GoogleHistory("GOOG").
  3. *Hold down Ctrl+Shift and hit Enter (note: without Ctrl+Shift+Enter it will just be a normal formula that for GoogleHistory just returns the most recent business day).
  4. This should return the most recent five business days of price data for GOOG, which includes date, open, high, low, close and volume. You can verify the numbers by looking at http://www.google.com/finance/historical?q=NASDAQ:GOOG. Also, the formula in your formula bar should appear as follows (note the curly braces):
{=GoogleHistory("GOOG")}

An array formula

How do I [do such-and-such] ?

First, try using the function wizard in Excel. All functions have descriptions of what values they return and accept. That is, type something like =Quote( in a cell in Excel, then hit the fx key just above the worksheet (or press Ctrl+A).

If that's confusing, check the documentation here and the Examples worksheet.

If none of that helps or if you have any questions or suggestions for clarity, go ahead and submit a new issue.

How long will you support this?

Indefinitely but not always immediately. I developed this add-in in my spare time to address a real professional need, and I use it frequently. That said, there are two reasons for a loss of functionality in the quote import functions specifically, neither of which I control:

  • Temporary: Bloomberg, Google or Yahoo! change the setup of their website such that I have to change how I parse data from them. This is extremely rare; I anticipate it happening maybe once every few years. When it does, it may take a brief while before I notice and update the program.

  • Permanent: Bloomberg, Google or Yahoo! stop publishing financial data publicly. That said, if you change the source parameter for functions like Quote or QuoteHistory, very often you can find an alternate source. Of course, losing all three of them would be a devastating Black Swan. You know, one of those "once-in-a-million-years" events (i.e. a truly unpredictable misfortune for which we assume a ridiculously optimistic probability of avoidance).

There may also be some disruptions in different Excel or .NET versions, but I think they will be minimal.

Why is Quote or QuoteHistory only returning one value?

See the section on array formulas.

Can I use this at work, on other computer, etc.?

Hopefully. I'm unfamiliar with the access restrictions at different companies, but in general if you meet the minimum requirements you should be fine. If there are real access limitations, feel free to submit a new issue, but I don't know how much I can do about it.

Also, this application does not transmit any usage data to me or even connect to any servers owned by me. Feedback is always appreciated, but I'm not collecting it behind the scenes.

What do I do if I notice an error?

Feel free to submit a new issue.

How can I contribute?

Fork the repo and, after modifying the source to your satisfaction, submit a pull request. The dependencies can be found in the readme on the front page of the repo.