Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations include readOnlyHint=true, so the safety profile is already disclosed. The description adds minimal behavioral insight beyond that, such as 'latest' implying recency, but does not discuss pagination behavior, return format, or rate limits. It neither contradicts annotations nor enriches them significantly.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose and includes the REST endpoint for reference. Every word earns its place with no redundancy or filler.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple news-listing tool with no output schema, the description is adequate but sparse. It covers the main action and category filtering, yet omits any detail about response contents or pagination usage beyond the schema. Given the tool's simplicity and schema coverage, a 3 is reasonable, but it could be more complete with usage oriented guidance.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, with both minId and category having clear descriptions. The description's mention of 'by category' is already captured in the schema, so it adds no new meaning. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states 'General latest market news by category,' which clearly identifies the resource (market news) and the scope (general, by category). It distinguishes from sibling finnhub_company_news by focusing on market-wide news rather than company-specific news, though it lacks an explicit verb like 'Get' or 'List.'

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as finnhub_company_news. The description does not mention when to prefer this over other news tools or any exclusions, leaving the agent to infer usage from the category parameter.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.