A new document can contain older information. Before interpreting a financial number, it helps to know both when it was measured and when it became available.

Three dates to look for

• Measurement date or period: the point in time, month, quarter or year that the figure describes.
• Publication date: when the information was released.
• Price timestamp: when a quoted market price was observed, including the time zone where relevant.

These dates perform different jobs. A website’s “updated today” label might describe the page refresh without changing the measurement date of its underlying figures.

A hypothetical timeline

Imagine a fund publishes a portfolio snapshot on 12 July describing its holdings at 30 June. You read it on 20 July beside a share price recorded that morning.

The SEC’s guide to shareholder reports illustrates how portfolio information relates to the end of a reporting period.

The snapshot is still about 30 June. Reading it later does not make it a current holdings list. Combining the July price with June asset values also mixes dates; the result needs that limitation stated clearly.

For a historical comparison, the question matters too. “What do we now know about 30 June?” is different from “What information was available on 30 June?” A document first released in July could answer the former without answering the latter.

Check the version as well

Economic estimates can be revised when more complete information or improved methods become available. The ABS explains this process for national accounts. A later release can therefore report a different estimate for the same earlier period.

A clear label records the period, release date, source and whether a figure is preliminary or revised. Keep the original document link with the number. This makes comparisons easier to follow and helps distinguish an actual change in conditions from an update to what was previously reported.

Educational information only. It does not take account of your objectives, financial situation or needs.