macro_uk_trade

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint: false, covering the safety profile. The description adds the data source URL and return type, but does not disclose additional behavioral traits such as date range, data granularity, or any rate limits, which is acceptable given the annotations but adds only marginal value.

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 a compact stub with four short lines, each serving a purpose: dataset origin, URL, return value, and return type. It is appropriately brief for a simple tool, though it could be more structured for readability.

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 zero-parameter retrieval tool, the description names the dataset, source, and return format, which is minimally adequate. However, it omits details about the output content (e.g., columns, time series coverage), leaving some ambiguity about what the DataFrame actually contains.

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?

The tool has zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description does not need to add parameter semantics and does not attempt to, which is appropriate for this empty schema.

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 identifies the tool as providing UK trade balance data from East Money, complete with a source URL and return type (pandas DataFrame). It is specific enough to distinguish from sibling macro_uk_* tools covering CPI, GDP, etc., though it lacks an explicit verb like 'get' or 'fetch'.

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 macro_uk_cpi or macro_uk_gdp. There is no mention of prerequisites, context, or exclusions, leaving the agent to infer usage from the name alone.

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