Data Methodology
Transparency in our data collection, processing, and analytical methods.
Data Sources
The Economic Institute draws on a combination of official statistical agencies, international organizations, and proprietary research to compile its indicator datasets. Primary sources include the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), national statistical offices, and central bank publications.
All source data undergoes rigorous quality assessment before inclusion in our datasets. We document provenance, vintage, and revision history for each data series to ensure full reproducibility.
Processing & Harmonization
Raw data from disparate sources is harmonized using standardized classification systems, including the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) for sectoral data and the IMF Balance of Payments Manual (BPM6) for external accounts.
Seasonal adjustment is performed using the X-13ARIMA-SEATS methodology where appropriate. Currency conversions use period-average exchange rates from the IMF International Financial Statistics database.
Indicator Construction
Composite indicators, such as the TEI Economic Conditions Index, are constructed using principal component analysis applied to a panel of underlying variables. Weights are determined empirically rather than assigned subjectively, and the methodology is reviewed annually.
Confidence intervals and uncertainty bands are provided for all forecast and nowcast estimates, based on historical forecast error distributions.
Revision Policy
Economic data is subject to revision as statistical agencies update their estimates. The Institute publishes data as received and clearly marks preliminary, revised, and final estimates. A full revision history is available for all indicators in our database.
Our own analytical estimates and indices are updated on a fixed schedule: weekly for high-frequency indicators, monthly for standard economic indicators, and quarterly for composite indices.
Contact
For questions about our data methodology or to request detailed documentation for a specific indicator, please contact data@econinstitute.org.