fred_macro_series

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

Despite no annotations, the description comprehensively discloses behavior: returns cleaned latest observations, costs $0.005 USDC, requires signed x402 payment, and returns a 402 accept-list if payment is absent.

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?

Three sentences pack essential information: purpose, examples, payment details, and fallback behavior. No redundancy or wasted words.

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?

Lacks output schema, but description mentions 'cleaned latest observations' which gives a general idea. For a simple data fetch tool, this is adequate, though specifying return structure would improve completeness.

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 coverage is 100%, so parameters are documented. The description adds value by explaining _payment's role (unlock paid response) and providing examples for series_id, but the schema already provides descriptions.

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?

Description clearly states the tool fetches a FRED series by ID, provides concrete examples ('DGS10', 'WALCL'), and specifies it returns cleaned observations. No sibling tools overlap, so differentiation is not needed.

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?

Clearly explains when to use (need FRED data) and how to use the payment mechanism. While it does not explicitly mention when not to use or list alternatives, the siblings are unrelated, so no confusion arises.

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