Final answer:
Business periodicals can be useful in financial statement analysis when used cautiously and critically for potential biases. They should be evaluated for credibility and balance and are not universally inapplicable due to journalist biases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that articles from current business periodicals should not be used in financial statement analysis is not entirely true or false. The usefulness of such articles depends on the purpose of the analysis. Business periodicals can provide insights into market trends, industry analysis, and may include expert opinions, but one must be cautious of potential bias as journalists may sometimes present information that is not objective.
When using business periodicals in financial statement analysis, it's important to evaluate the credibility of the sources, the balance in presentations of opposing views, and the distinction between factual information and opinions. It is particularly valuable to use material that engages with multiple perspectives and to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest or agendas that may influence the coverage.
Therefore, while it's true that some caution is needed due to possible bias, responsibly used articles from business periodicals can be a useful component of a balanced analysis.