HOW WE HANDLE RESEARCH

USEFUL, HONEST, AND EASY TO CHECK.

Our goal is not to make every market move sound exciting. Our goal is to help readers understand what the evidence does—and does not—show.

Facts and opinions are different

Prices, dates, sales activity, and population figures are facts reported by a data source or calculated from stored records. Explanations and watch labels are our interpretation. We write them so readers can tell the difference.

We show the strength of the evidence

A large price move based on many sales is not the same as one based on a small sample. We consider data age, history length, sales activity, sample size, and unusual jumps before placing an item on a research list.

Missing data stays missing

We use a dash or a clear note when enough history is not available. We do not fill missing numbers with guesses. We may remove a result when the data cannot support a fair comparison.

Automation has limits

Software collects data and builds many rankings. Rules help keep that work consistent, but automatic systems can fail. Important claims should be checked against the source and the latest market before a reader acts.

Conflicts and paid influence

Paid placement must be clearly labeled. A sponsor cannot buy a better score or change a measured result. If a writer or the business has a meaningful interest in an item being discussed, that interest should be disclosed with the content.

Corrections

We review clear reports of factual mistakes. When a meaningful error is confirmed, we correct it and explain the change when readers could have reached a different conclusion because of it.