Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETFs do you recommend with your timing models?

US Growth Funds: SPDR Wilshire Total Market (TMW)
US Bond Funds: iShares Lehman Aggregate Bond (AGG)
US High Yield Bond Funds: IShares IBOXX $ High Yield Corp Bd (HYG)
International Bond Funds: SPDR Lehman Intl Treasury Bond (BWX)
International Growth 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: SPDR Wilshire Total Market (TMW)

Are your timing models short-term, intermediate-term, or long-term?

Our general timing models, ETF Flexible Allocation Portfolio and Thrift Savings Plan Portfolio are oriented towards the intermediate trend. We define the intermediate trend as a period between several weeks and several months in duration. Focusing on the intermediate trend allows us to control risk effectively without subjecting your invested capital to the wide price swings that are associated with major trend following systems, such as a 200-day moving average. Our ETF Fixed Allocation Portfolio takes a longer-term approach, trading once a year on average, and is intended for investors with a greater tolerance for volatility.

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. However, we understand that some subscribers would like to market time non-correlated investments and with that in mind, we offer an ETF Fixed Allocation Portfolio.

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 5-, 10- and 50-day performance data. Combining our timing models with top monitored funds is 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. This approach will work well if you have the discipline to follow it.

When is the newsletter published?

Our newsletter is published Mondays - 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 Eastern Standard Time. About four times a year we'll take a break and publish abbreviated reports.

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'm too busy to do this! Can you manage my portfolio?

We offer a money management program for the benefit of subscribers who had neither the time, discipline, or inclination to follow the newsletter recommendations. Our minimum investment requirement is $250,000. We charge a 1.5% annual management fee, deducted quarterly. We are accepting new clients in our Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Portfolio, ETF Flexible Allocation Portfolio, ETF Fixed Allocation Portfolio, High Yield Bond Portfolio and Gold Portfolio. Please contact us to learn more. We require your name, US postal service address, phone number and email address before we can respond. If you've received program details and are ready to sign up, all the necessary forms are right here. Accounts are custodied with TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, Jefferson National, Vanguard and the Thrift Savings Plan.

More questions? Contact us for assistance.