
Odd Lots How Traders Used Google Searches To See The Economic Recovery In Real Time
Sep 17, 2020
Ben Breitholtz, a data scientist at Arbor Data Science, dives into the fascinating world of Google search trends as a tool for understanding economic recovery. He discusses how traditional data lagged during the rapid shifts caused by COVID-19. By analyzing real-time search queries, Breitholtz reveals insights into consumer behavior and highlights leading sectors in the recovery. He also explains how alternative data has transformed investment strategies, showcasing its invaluable role in navigating the post-pandemic economic landscape.
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Real-Time Data
- Traditional economic indicators are too slow to capture rapid changes.
- Alternative data like OpenTable reservations provide real-time insights.
Search Data Superiority
- Survey data is becoming less reliable due to political polarization and social media.
- Search activity offers a more honest view of consumer intentions.
Honesty of Search Data
- Google search trends reveal consumer intent more reliably than surveys.
- People are more honest with search engines, making this data valuable.

