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dracepj

FRED API MCP Server

by dracepj

get_economic_series

Retrieve data for a specific economic series from FRED API by series ID, with optional date range and observation limit.

Instructions

Get data for a specific economic data series.

Args: series_id: FRED series ID (e.g., 'GDP', 'UNRATE', 'CPIAUCSL') start_date: Start date in YYYY-MM-DD format (optional) end_date: End date in YYYY-MM-DD format (optional) limit: Maximum number of observations to return

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
series_idYes
start_dateNo
end_dateNo
limitNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It mentions parameter types and defaults but fails to disclose aspects like rate limits, caching, pagination, error handling, or the structure of the returned data. The output schema exists but is not referenced.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is concise (5 lines) and uses a clear 'Args' structure for parameters. Every sentence adds value. Could be slightly more compact as a paragraph, but it's efficient.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given that an output schema exists (which likely documents return structure), the description need not cover that. However, it lacks broader context such as data source (FRED), typical date ranges, or limits. The parameter descriptions are good, but usage context is missing. Scores as adequate but with gaps.

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

Parameters4/5

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

With 0% schema description coverage, the description adds significant value beyond schema titles: series_id has concrete examples ('GDP', 'UNRATE'), start/end_date include format hint ('YYYY-MM-DD'), and limit states default. This helps agents construct valid calls.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the action (Get data) and resource (economic data series), with examples like 'GDP', 'UNRATE'. It distinguishes from sibling tools like search_economic_data (search behavior) and get_series_info (metadata), but does not explicitly call out when to use this tool over others.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. While parameter descriptions imply that series_id is required and dates are optional, there is no when-to-use or when-not-to-use context. No reference to sibling tools or conditions for selection.

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

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