A financial communications network incorporating a data health monitor is provided that includes a plurality of data sources, a plurality of data collection systems, a client site terminal and a network connecting these components. Each data collection system includes a processor for receiving and formatting financial data received from the data sources, wherein the formatted financial data has a data field including a first data source identifier identifying the data source of the formatted financial data and a first system identifier identifying the data collection system formatting the formatted financial data. The collection system also includes a status code generator for generating and transmitting a status code, and a heartbeat signal generator for generating and periodically transmitting a heartbeat signal. Based on information in data fields, status codes, and heartbeat signal, client site terminals select a real-time or stale display mode for displaying the financial data.