IIR Group, a UK company providing research and strategy on global equities and currencies, has launched an online analytical tool for private and institutional investors, known as The Research Oracle. The web-based platform offers institutional-grade research analysis on 400 top global stocks, free of charge. The platform earns revenues from advertising rather than user fees. Research Oracle is completely independent since the company has no investment banking, broking or asset management activities. Shane Smith, chief executive of IIR Group said: “This launch represents a genuine leap forward for the finance sector as it allows investors at all points of the spectrum equal access to information and analysis, the lifeblood of the industry, on a level playing field – from the smaller private investor, to the investment clubs with a slightly greater vested interest, to seasoned professionals working for global financial institutions.” Research Oracle shows the risks and rewards that investors must consider before buying or selling shares, such as company fundamentals and currency risk. Information available via Research Oracle is published simultaneously on Reuters, Bloomberg, Thomson, Capital IQ, Factset, Jaywalk and IIR’s other distribution channels. IIR Group was set up in 1996 and provides research and strategy for broker-dealers, investment banks and asset managers.