scan_metric_universe

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the tool 'scans all ~200 assets' and 'returns ranked results with forward returns', but does not mention behavioral traits like read-only status, rate limits, or data freshness. Adequate but not rich.

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?

Two sentences concisely convey the action, scope, and output. No filler words; each sentence adds essential information. Front-loads the purpose.

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?

Given 3 simple parameters and no output schema, the description provides a solid overview: it explains what the tool does, the scope (all 200 assets), and the output (ranked results with forward returns at three horizons). Missing details like result format or pagination, but adequate for a scanning tool.

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 the schema already documents all parameters (metric_id, operator, threshold) with descriptions. The description mentions 'z-score extremes' and 'threshold' implicitly but adds no new semantic meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 applies.

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 clearly states the verb 'scan', the resource 'metric across all ~200 assets', and the specific purpose 'z-score extremes on the latest day'. It distinguishes from siblings like 'analyze_metric' by specifying the universe-wide scope and time horizon.

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?

The description implies the tool is for scanning z-score extremes, but provides no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives like 'analyze_metric' or 'backtest_signal'. Users have to infer usage from the description.

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