Why Excel Stocks Cannot Find the S&P/NZX 50 Index
Question details
The user is attempting to retrieve stock data for the S&P/NZX 50 index using the Excel Stocks data type but is unable to find the correct ticker symbol to generate results.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Searching for the specific index ticker symbol using the built-in Stocks data type under the Data tab in Excel.
- Observed behavior
- Excel does not return any search results or data for the S&P/NZX 50 index, leaving the user unable to pull in live market information for this specific item.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a stable internet connection, as the Stocks data type requires both to query financial databases.
Use Web Data Import and Submit a Feature Request
Since the NZX 50 index is currently not supported by Excel’s third-party financial data provider, you will need to request its addition and use the 'From Web' feature as a workaround.
Excel's Stocks data type relies on external providers (like Refinitiv) to supply financial data. If an index like the S&P/NZX 50 is missing from their database, no ticker symbol will work natively.
You can bypass this limitation by importing data directly from a financial website, and simultaneously submit feedback to Microsoft so they might add native support in future updates.
Open Excel, go to the 'Data' tab, and click 'From Web'. Paste the URL of a financial website (like Yahoo Finance) that lists the S&P/NZX 50 index data, and follow the prompts to load the table into your spreadsheet.
Click on the 'Help' tab located on the top ribbon of your Excel window.
Click on 'Feedback', then select 'I have a suggestion'. Write a brief request asking Microsoft to add the S&P/NZX 50 index to the Stocks data type, and click Submit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which data provider does Excel use for the Stocks data type?
Microsoft Excel currently partners with Refinitiv to provide financial data, including prices, ticker symbols, and market capitalization for the Stocks data type.
How can I find out if a specific stock or index is supported in Excel?
Type the company name or index into a cell, select it, and click 'Stocks' in the Data tab. If a question mark icon appears in the Data Selector pane, it indicates that the specific ticker or index is currently not supported.
Can I manually link web data to my spreadsheet instead of using the Stocks feature?
Yes. Navigate to the Data tab and select 'From Web'. Paste the URL of any financial website containing the index data you need, and follow the Power Query prompts to load that live data directly into your sheet.
