Reference data for a RIC has no 'First Trading Date', but has a Change Date - what does this mean?

When I make a query to the API for the historical reference data for a number of RICs, some return with no First Trading Date e.g.

{
        "IdentifierType": "ChainRIC",
        "Identifier": "0#ALSI:",
        "Instrument ID": "0#ALSI:",
        "Ticker": "ALSI",
        "Trading Status": 1,
        "First Trading Date": null,
        "Last Trading Day": "2020-06-18",
        "Security Description": "INDEX ALSI JUN0",
        "Exchange Code": "JNB",
        "RIC": "ALSIM0",
        "Issue PermID": null,
        "Expiration Date": "2020-06-18",
        "Change Date": "2019-01-01"
    }

Should I interpret the Change Date as the First Trading Date?

Best Answer

  • Alex Putkov.1
    Answer ✓

    This just means there's no data for this return item and this field. Change Date most certainly cannot be interpreted as or used in place of First Trading Date.
    If you'd like to find out why there's no data for the First Trading Date field for this return item, please open a support case with Refinitiv Helpdesk following the link below.

    https://my.refinitiv.com/content/mytr/en/helpandsupport.html