MCP server that retrieves stock price information using the Alpha Vantage API
Single tool with basic schema and minimal description. Tool name 'get-stock-prices' follows verb_noun convention (+). Input schema present with type and description (+). However, description is only 87 chars and lacks context on when/why to use it, expected output format, or error recovery guidance. No output schema documented. Error handling returns generic messages without recovery hints. No parameter constraints (e.g., valid symbol formats). Missing idempotency guarantees and rate-limit guidance for external API dependency.
Retrieves current stock price information for a given stock symbol
Output schema not documented. LLM cannot predict response structure (Symbol, Open, High, Low, Price, Change fields) or plan downstream operations.
Tool description (87 chars) lacks context on when to use it, expected input format (e.g., 'AAPL', 'MSFT'), or what happens on invalid symbols. Does not guide LLM on error recovery.
Error messages are generic ('API Error Unable to retrieve data', 'API Error Unable to Fetch data') and do not guide LLM on recovery. Should specify: 'Invalid symbol format. Use uppercase ticker (e.g., AAPL). Try search_symbols() for valid tickers.'
No rate-limit or timeout handling documented. Alpha Vantage API has strict rate limits (5 calls/min free tier). Tool should warn LLM or implement backoff, but no guidance provided.
| Scored | Grade | Overall | Spec posture | Rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | F | 44 | 2026-07-28+ | v2 |
StockSymbol parameter description is minimal ('The stock ticker symbol to retrieve prices for'). Does not specify format (uppercase only?), length (1-5 chars?), or examples. LLM may pass invalid formats.