Frequently Asked Questions
Which ETFs do you recommend with your timing models?
US Equity Funds: Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI)
US Bond Funds: iShares Lehman Aggregate Bond (AGG)
US High Yield Bond Funds: IShares IBOXX $ High Yield Corp Bd (HYG)
US Municipal Bond Funds: iShares S&P National AMT-Free Muni Bd (MUB)
International Bond Funds: SPDR Lehman Intl Treasury Bond (BWX)
International Equity Funds: Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US (VEU)
Asia Funds: iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan (EPP)
Europe Funds: Vanguard European Stock (VGK)
Japan Funds: iShares MSCI Japan Index (EWJ)
Latin America Funds: iShares S&P Latin America 40 Index (ILF)
Gold Funds: SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)
Dow Jones Industrial Average: Diamonds Trust, Series 1 (DIA)
S&P 500 Index: SPDRs (SPY)
S&P 400 Index: iShares Mid Cap 400 Index (IJH)
Nasdaq Composite Index: Fidelity Comp Index Trading (ONEQ)
Nasdaq 100 Index: Powershares QQQ (QQQQ)
Russell 2000 Index: iShares Russell 2000 Index (IWM)
Wilshire 5000 Index: Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI)
Are your timing models short-term, intermediate-term, or long-term?
We recognize that investors have different risk tolerance levels - that's why we provide bull/bear market signals for both long-term trends and intermediate-term trends for each of our timing models.
We define the intermediate-term trend as a period between several weeks and several months long. Focusing on the intermediate-term trend allows a trader to control risk without subjecting investments to the wide price swings associated with major trend following strategies. Our goal is to sidestep corrections and bear markets.
We define the long-term trend as a 1-2 year period. A big picture perspective means more subjecting investments to more volatility, but involves much less trading than is associated with our intermediate-term trend strategies. Our goal is to sidestep bear markets.
We provide; you decide.
How much should I allocate between the various types of monitored markets?
The whole idea of balancing a portfolio with some combination of equities, bonds, and gold assumes that a portfolio maintains a fully invested position 365 days a year, year in and year out. Our timing strategies inherently reduce the risk that asset allocation attempts to accomplish.
How should I use your top monitored funds list?
Each weekly newsletter lists the top monitored funds in relative strength in categories corresponding to our timing models. We also provide 10-, 50- and 100-day performance data. Combining our timing models with top monitored funds can be a powerful way to accumulate profits while managing downside risk. Simply purchase funds high in relative strength when the timing model for that particular market is on a buy signal. For instance, when our Asian Funds Timing Model generates a buy signal, invest in the highest no-load Asian fund in our most recent newsletter relative strength list - or just invest in your favorite Asian fund. Avoid leveraged funds (200%, 2x, etc) and focus on more broadly diversified funds. This approach will work well if you have the discipline to follow it.
When is the newsletter published?
Our newsletter is published Sundays - subscribers receive an email link to the current issue as soon as it is posted to our website. For changes to timing models or model portfolios between issues, we email subscribers an alert (called a "hotline") by 11 pm EST. About four times a year we'll take a break and publish abbreviated reports.
Missing a newsletter or hotline? Visit our archives section for the past 10 issues and alerts.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you're not completely satisfied with our newsletter, for any reason, we will provide a pro-rated refund based on the number of remaining complete calendar months — no questions asked.
I am looking for Thift Savings Plan advice. Can you help?
Check out our sister publication, The TSP Strategist. You'll discover a familiar look and feel. The TSP Strategist offers Aggressive, Moderate and Conservative Portfolios plus timing strategies for the government-run Thrift Savings Plan funds.
More questions? Contact us for assistance.
