You and Excel: A Hilarious Journey into Share Prices (Without the Wolf of Wall Street Drama)
Let's face it, staring at a spreadsheet can be about as exciting as watching paint dry. But what if I told you that with a sprinkle of Excel magic, you could transform this mundane task into an epic quest for stock market glory (well, maybe not glory, but at least knowing the current price of your favorite companies)?
That's right, my friend, today we delve into the wondrous world of getting share prices in Excel. Buckle up, because this is going to be a laugh riot... mostly educational, but a riot nonetheless.
 |
| How To Get Share Price In Excel |
Step 1: Operation Ticker Symbol
First things first, you need some ticker symbols. These are those fancy little abbreviations that represent companies on the stock market. You know, things like AAPL for Apple (because apparently, an entire fruit wasn't exciting enough).
Now, how you get these symbols is entirely up to you. You could channel your inner Indiana Jones and unearth them from the forgotten corners of the internet. Or, you could just peek at a financial news website. But hey, where's the adventure in that?
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling particularly daring, try using a three-letter word that describes what the company does. Like, if a company sells shoes, their ticker symbol might be... wait for it... SHOE! (Probably not, but hey, it could be fun to guess!)
Step 2: The Power of the "Stocks" Button (Yes, Really!)
Here's where things get interesting. Look up at the ribbon in Excel (that fancy bar at the top). See that "Data" tab? No? Well, put on your detective hat and find it! Now, nestled amongst a bunch of other buttons, there should be a magical little gem called "Stocks".
Yes, you read that right. Stocks. As in, the very thing you're trying to price! Don't question the logic of Excel, just embrace it.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
Now, here's the fun part. Select the cells where you've bravely listed your ticker symbols. Then, with the grace of a seasoned Excel warrior, click on that glorious "Stocks" button.
Prepare to be amazed! (Or mildly surprised, depending on your temperament.) Excel will attempt to decipher your cryptic ticker symbols and, if the internet gods are smiling upon you, will populate your spreadsheet with the corresponding company names.
 |
Warning: There's a chance Excel might get confused. Maybe it thinks AAPL refers to a particularly delicious apple variety you're keeping track of. Don't panic! Just gently guide Excel in the right direction by selecting the correct company from a dropdown list.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
Step 3: Unearthing the Share Price (The Real Treasure!)
Now comes the moment of truth. We've braved the ticker symbol jungle, wrestled with the "Stocks" button, and now it's time to find the holy grail: the share price.
Here's the beauty of Excel's "Stocks" data type. Click on one of the company names that Excel so helpfully provided. Look! A brand new "Add Column" button appears!
With the precision of a brain surgeon (or at least someone who isn't afraid to click buttons), choose the "Price" option from the dropdown menu. And voila! Excel, in all its glory, reveals the current share price for that company.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the treacherous waters of getting share prices in Excel. Now you can impress your friends (or at least confuse them) with your newfound spreadsheet mastery.
Remember: This is just the beginning of your Excel adventures. With a little more practice, you can use formulas to track price changes, calculate potential returns (assuming you don't accidentally delete all your data), and maybe even create a chart so fancy it'll make Wall Street analysts weep.
So, the next time you feel the urge to conquer the stock market (from the comfort of your armchair, spreadsheet in hand), remember, Excel is your friend. With a little humor and a dash of perseverance, you can turn this number-crunching chore into a surprisingly delightful quest.
 |
