Skip to content
SuperMoney logo
SuperMoney logo

Thomson Reuters: Evolution, Innovation, and Impact

Last updated 03/15/2024 by

Silas Bamigbola

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
Unravel the intricacies of Reuters, a global information and news provider, and understand its evolution from a stock market data service to a comprehensive media and financial data resource. Delve into the history, Reuters Dealing System, and the significant Thomson Reuters acquisition, uncovering its impact on the financial and media landscapes.

Exploring Reuters: A comprehensive overview

Reuters, a global information and news provider based in London, plays a vital role in serving professionals in the financial, media, and corporate sectors. Acquired by Thomson Financial Corporation in 2008, it became part of Thomson Reuters Corporation, a multinational media and financial data powerhouse headquartered in New York City, listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges.

Understanding Thomson reuters

The core strength of Thomson Reuters lies in its provision of content, analytics, trading, and messaging capabilities through the Thomson Reuters Eikon system. The Reuters news agency delivers text, graphics, video, and pictures to subscribers globally, covering general interest and business news. Reuters is not just a news agency but a major provider of financial markets trading and analytical software.

History of reuters

Founded in 1851 by Paul Julius Reuter, Reuter’s Telegram Company initially focused on providing business news rapidly via telegraph and carrier pigeons. It gained international prominence, becoming the first European newsgroup to break the news of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865.

Reuters dealing system: Evolution and impact

By the mid-1970s, Reuters’ financial information terminals were widely used in banks. The Reuters Dealing 2000-2 system, introduced in 1992, revolutionized trading by enabling direct transactions without brokers. The Dealing 3000, released in 1999, further advanced trading capabilities, incorporating live market data and automated matching of trades.
In 2013, the Thomson Reuters Eikon system replaced the Dealing 3000, solidifying its position as a leading financial markets software system.

Thomson’s acquisition of reuters

In 2008, the Thomson Corporation acquired Reuters Group PLC, forming Thomson Reuters. This merger underwent regulatory scrutiny and approval, leading to the creation of a financial and media giant. Thomson Reuters continued its growth through approximately 200 acquisitions between 2008 and 2018, expanding its reach into software systems, computing, financial data, media, analytics, and legal tools.

Pros and cons of Thomson reuters

Weigh the risks and benefits
Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider when dealing with Thomson Reuters.
Pros
  • Comprehensive financial and media information resource
  • Global news agency with a vast network of journalists
  • Leading financial markets software system
Cons
  • Dependency on a single provider for financial data and news
  • Potential for high costs associated with premium services
  • Intensive competition, especially from the Bloomberg Terminal

The impact of Thomson reuters on financial markets

Thomson Reuters has significantly influenced financial markets through its advanced trading platforms and data feeds. One notable example is the Reuters Dealing 3000, released in 1999, which not only facilitated the trading of foreign exchange, stocks, bonds, options, and commodities but also introduced features like automated matching of trades and secure messaging. This innovation transformed the landscape, enabling traders to execute transactions efficiently and securely, without the need for intermediaries.

The evolution of reuters’ technology

Over the years, Reuters has continuously evolved its technology to meet the changing needs of financial professionals. The Reuters Dealing 2000-2 system, released in 1992, was a groundbreaking development, eliminating the requirement for brokers in financial transactions. This ushered in an era of direct trading, empowering users to conduct transactions seamlessly. The subsequent release of the Thomson Reuters Eikon system in 2013 marked another milestone, providing a user-friendly and robust platform for financial markets analysis and trading on both desktop and mobile devices.

Thomson reuters in the digital age

In the digital age, Thomson Reuters has embraced technological advancements to maintain its position as a leader in the information and news industry. For instance, the Refinitiv Eikon system, introduced in 2013, offers a sophisticated blend of market data, analytics, and trading capabilities. Its seamless integration with Microsoft Excel enhances user experience, providing a versatile tool for financial professionals to make informed decisions.

Global journalism at scale

With over 2,600 journalists reporting in 16 languages from more than 200 locations worldwide, Reuters stands as a testament to global journalism at scale. The agency’s vast network ensures timely and comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics, from politics and terrorism to entertainment and sports. This extensive reach makes Reuters a trusted source for tailored broadcast news and print reports delivered to media outlets globally.

Challenges and opportunities in the Thomson reuters era

While Thomson Reuters has played a pivotal role in shaping the financial and media landscapes, it faces challenges in a dynamic and competitive environment. The rise of alternative data providers, changing consumer preferences, and the demand for real-time information present both challenges and opportunities. Navigating these complexities will be crucial for Thomson Reuters to continue its legacy as a leading global information and news provider.

The future of Thomson Reuters

As technology continues to advance, the future of Thomson Reuters holds exciting possibilities. The company’s focus on innovation and adaptability positions it to navigate evolving market trends successfully. With a rich history, a global presence, and a commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions, Thomson Reuters is poised to continue shaping the future of information and news delivery for professionals across industries.

Conclusion

Thomson Reuters stands as a global information and news provider that has evolved significantly from its origins as a stock market data service in 1851. Acquired by Thomson Financial Corporation in 2008, it became part of Thomson Reuters Corporation, offering comprehensive media and financial data resources through the Thomson Reuters Eikon system. The Reuters Dealing System played a pivotal role in revolutionizing financial transactions, with innovations like the Dealing 2000-2 and Dealing 3000 systems.
Thomson Reuters has left an indelible mark on financial markets, providing advanced trading platforms and data feeds. Its global journalism at scale, with over 2,600 journalists reporting worldwide, ensures timely and comprehensive coverage. As the company faces challenges and opportunities in a dynamic industry, its focus on innovation positions it for a promising future in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Frequently asked questions

What services does Thomson Reuters provide?

Thomson Reuters offers a range of services, including comprehensive media and financial data resources for professionals in various sectors. This includes content, analytics, trading, and messaging capabilities through the Thomson Reuters Eikon system.

How did Reuters contribute to the evolution of news dissemination?

Founded in 1851, Reuters started as a stock market data service for the London Stock Exchange, using telegraph and carrier pigeons. It became a major international news agency, breaking significant news, such as U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865.

What were the key innovations in the Reuters Dealing System?

The Reuters Dealing System underwent significant advancements, with the Reuters Dealing 2000-2 system eliminating the need for brokers in 1992 and the Dealing 3000 system in 1999 incorporating live market data, automated matching of trades, secure messaging, and data analysis. The latter was replaced by the Thomson Reuters Eikon system in 2013.

How has Thomson Reuters impacted financial markets?

Thomson Reuters has left a lasting impact on financial markets through its innovative trading platforms, facilitating the trading of various financial instruments and introducing features like automated matching of trades and secure messaging.

What challenges and opportunities does Thomson Reuters face?

In a dynamic and competitive environment, Thomson Reuters faces challenges such as the rise of alternative data providers, changing consumer preferences, and the demand for real-time information. However, these challenges also present opportunities for the company to adapt and innovate.

What sets Reuters apart in the realm of global journalism?

With over 2,600 journalists reporting in 16 languages from more than 200 locations worldwide, Reuters stands as a global journalism powerhouse. Its extensive network ensures timely and comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, making it a trusted source for tailored broadcast news and print reports delivered globally.

How is Thomson Reuters positioned for the future?

As technology advances, Thomson Reuters focuses on innovation and adaptability. With a rich history, a global presence, and a commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions, the company is poised to continue shaping the future of information and news delivery for professionals across industries.

Key takeaways

  • Thomson Reuters has left a lasting impact on financial markets through its innovative trading platforms.
  • The evolution of Reuters’ technology, from the Dealing 2000-2 system to the Refinitiv Eikon, reflects a commitment to meeting user needs.
  • Global journalism at scale sets Reuters apart, with a vast network of journalists covering diverse topics worldwide.
  • The challenges and opportunities in the Thomson Reuters era highlight the dynamic nature of the information and news industry.
  • The company’s focus on innovation positions it for a promising future in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Share this post:

You might also like