Let us check how to use a certain function for a selected company. For example, function DES (Security Description) will provide us with the most important business information and financial data about the company.
The function can be applied in different ways, for example by:
Upon selecting a security, we are met with a new menu that appears and allows us to select the category of data we are interested in. For new users, it is the easiest to use the mouse and select the function from this menu, or click on one of the titles (Company Overview, Company Analysis etc.) in the menu in order to get a list of more functions relating to that category.
However, it is faster if we know the function shortcut (so-called mnemonics), which are the codes written in the menu in white next to the function names. Instead of using the mouse to select the needed function, we can simply type the mnemonic in the command line (the recently selected security is saved).
We can also apply the desired function to the asset directly when searching for the asset. Since GP is the mnemonic for the Line Chart function, typing PAYPAL <Equity> GP <GO> will automatically apply the function to display the chart without opening the menu of recommended functions.
Hint: if we know the ticker of a security that is listed on multiple exchanges, typing the country code (e.g. US for United States) after the ticker usually suffices for the database to choose the right asset, and we do not have to select it from the drop-down menu or the list.
For example, by typing PYPL US <Equity> FA <GO> we are directly transferred to the page with Paypal's financial analysis without having to select the right security from the list or the function through the menu.
The outlined section below keeps track of the currently selected security. By typing just a function code in the command line and pressing <GO>, the security selection will stay the same and this function will be used for this security instead of the current one.
To reopen the menu with some useful functions and their shortcuts, select Related Functions Menu from the toolbar or press the <Menu> button on the Bloomberg keyboard.
