Best Free Macro Dashboards (2026)
Compare the best free macro dashboards for tracking liquidity, regimes, and economic indicators. From FRED to TradingEconomics—what each offers and their limitations.
What You'll Learn
- Know the best free macro data sources available
- Understand the strengths and limitations of each tool
- Choose the right tool for your macro analysis needs
- Learn how to combine multiple data sources effectively
You don't need a Bloomberg Terminal to track macro data. Several free (or freemium) tools provide access to economic indicators, market data, and macro analysis.
This guide compares the best options and helps you choose the right tool for your needs.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Cost | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRED | Raw economic data | Free | No visualization, manual analysis |
| TradingView | Charting all markets | Freemium | Limited macro overlays |
| TradingEconomics | Global indicators | Freemium | Limited free tier |
| Koyfin | Equity + macro combined | Freemium | Not macro-focused |
| MacroMicro | Asia-focused macro | Freemium | Limited US data |
| VantMacro | Regime analysis | Paid (affordable) | US-focused, no equities |
FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data)
Best for: Researchers, economists, serious DIY analysts
What It Offers
- 400,000+ time series — Everything from Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) to obscure regional data
- Completely free — No account needed for basic use
- Excel/API access — Download or integrate directly
- Custom charts — Basic visualization included
Strengths
- Authoritative source — Direct from the Fed; no intermediary
- Comprehensive — Every FRED series we've discussed (M2SL, WALCL, WDTGAL, etc.)
- Free API — Build your own dashboards
- Historical depth — Decades of data
Limitations
- No analysis — Raw data only; you interpret
- Basic visualization — Functional but not insightful
- No regime classification — You build this yourself
- Steep learning curve — Knowing which series to use takes time
Best Use Case
Use FRED for:
- Downloading specific series for custom analysis
- Verifying data from other sources
- Academic or research work
- Building your own models
TradingView
Best for: Chartists who want macro overlays on price action
What It Offers
- Charting platform — Industry-leading tools
- Some economic data — Limited FRED integration
- Community scripts — User-created indicators
- All asset classes — Equities, crypto, FX, commodities
Strengths
- Excellent charting — Best-in-class technical tools
- Multi-asset — One platform for everything
- Free tier available — Limited but usable
- Mobile app — Trade-ready
Limitations
- Not macro-focused — Economic data is secondary
- No regime analysis — Just data overlays
- Free tier restrictions — Limited indicators, ads
- Learning curve — Powerful but complex
Best Use Case
Use TradingView for:
- Overlaying M2 or Fed balance sheet on price charts
- Technical analysis with macro context
- Multi-asset portfolio tracking
TradingEconomics
Best for: Global macro watchers, emerging market-focused investors
What It Offers
- 196 countries covered — Comprehensive global data
- 20 million+ indicators — GDP, inflation, rates, etc.
- Calendar view — Upcoming releases
- API available — For premium tiers
Strengths
- Global coverage — Emerging markets particularly strong
- Economic calendar — Know what's releasing when
- Clean interface — Easy navigation
- Free tier — Basic access included
Limitations
- Limited free tier — Many features paywalled
- No regime analysis — Data only
- Less US depth — FRED is better for US specifics
- No liquidity tracking — Manual calculation needed
Best Use Case
Use TradingEconomics for:
- Global GDP, inflation, rates comparison
- Emerging market data
- Economic release calendars
Koyfin
Best for: Equity investors who want macro context
What It Offers
- Equity screeners — Fundamentals and valuations
- Macro data — Basic economic indicators
- Portfolio tools — Tracking and analysis
- Earnings calendars — Corporate events
Strengths
- Clean design — Modern, intuitive interface
- Equity + macro — Combines both in one platform
- Free tier — Generous for equities
- Sector analysis — Industry breakdowns
Limitations
- Not macro-first — Primarily an equity tool
- Limited liquidity data — No net liquidity, Real M2
- No regime classification — Just raw data
- US/developed focus — Weaker emerging market coverage
Best Use Case
Use Koyfin for:
- Equity screening with macro awareness
- Sector and industry analysis
- Portfolio tracking
MacroMicro
Best for: Taiwan/Asia-focused investors, visual learners
What It Offers
- Pre-built dashboards — Curated macro themes
- Visual storytelling — Charts with context
- Asia focus — Taiwan, China, ASEAN
- Some US data — Major indicators
Strengths
- Pre-built analysis — Not just data dumps
- Visual design — Infographic style
- Asia expertise — Best for regional focus
- Educational — Explains concepts
Limitations
- Asia-centric — US/Europe secondary
- Limited customization — Pre-built themes only
- Language — Some content in Traditional Chinese
- No regime engine — Thematic, not systematic
Best Use Case
Use MacroMicro for:
- Asia/Taiwan focused investors
- Visual learners who want context
- Macro themes rather than raw data
VantMacro
How it differs from free tools:
What VantMacro Adds
| Feature | Free Tools | VantMacro |
|---|---|---|
| Raw economic data | ✅ | ✅ (curated) |
| Regime classification | ❌ | ✅ (7-state model) |
| Pre-calculated liquidity | ❌ | ✅ (Net Liquidity, Real M2) |
| Global central bank composite | ❌ | ✅ |
| Fear & Greed Index | Partial | ✅ |
| Educational content | Minimal | ✅ (Knowledge Hub) |
| Backtested regimes | ❌ | ✅ (427 transitions) |
When VantMacro Makes Sense
Use VantMacro if you:
- Want regime analysis done for you
- Don't want to calculate Net Liquidity, Real M2 yourself
- Value educational context
- Need a focused macro-only tool
- Can afford modest monthly pricing
When Free Tools Are Enough
Stick with free tools if you:
- Only need raw data
- Build your own models
- Are a researcher or academic
- Can't justify any subscription cost
The Hybrid Approach
Many macro investors use multiple tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FRED | Verify data, download for custom analysis |
| TradingView | Overlay macro on price charts |
| VantMacro | Pre-built regime analysis, liquidity |
| TradingEconomics | Global calendar, emerging market data |
This gives you:
- Authoritative raw data (FRED)
- Charting flexibility (TradingView)
- Pre-built analysis (VantMacro)
- Global coverage (TradingEconomics)
Summary
| If you need... | Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Raw US economic data | FRED | Free |
| Charts + macro overlays | TradingView | Freemium |
| Global indicators + calendar | TradingEconomics | Freemium |
| Equity + macro combined | Koyfin | Freemium |
| Asia-focused macro | MacroMicro | Freemium |
| Regime analysis + liquidity | VantMacro | Paid |
Data Sources
- Public vendor websites and documentation for each tool listed (features, coverage, and pricing change over time).
- Public macro data sources referenced by the tools themselves (e.g., FRED for U.S. economic series).
Methodology
- Selects widely used, accessible tools that cover distinct macro workflows: raw data, charting, calendars, and curated dashboards.
- Evaluates each option on practical usability (time-to-value, cost, coverage) rather than on “maximum possible data breadth”.
Limitations
- Free tiers, paywalls, and feature sets change frequently; verify current terms directly with each provider.
- Tool quality depends on your use case (region focus, asset class, need for alerts/export/API); this list is not exhaustive.
- This is educational content, not financial advice or an endorsement of any specific provider.
Further Reading
- VantMacro vs Bloomberg Terminal — How VantMacro compares to the pro solution
- The Complete Guide to Global Liquidity — What VantMacro tracks
Try VantMacro
See what a focused macro regime dashboard offers:
- Pre-built regime classification
- Liquidity tracking (Net Liquidity, Real M2, global)
- Educational Knowledge Hub
- $19/month pricing