We signed up for VectorVest to help you understand if this investing stock analysis service is worth it.
Quick Summary:
VectorVest analyzes 16,000+ stocks daily and gives a simple buy, sell, or hold rating on each, enabling anyone to make informed investing decisions.
3.0
Tools & Features:
Ease of Use:
Price:
PROS
- Comprehensive stock analysis
- Several training courses
- Proprietary Stock Rating system
CONS
- Outdated desktop user interface
- Lack of transparency in the stock rating system
- Limited broker integration
Price:
Starts $58/mo with annual subscription
Key Features:
Proprietary indicators
Analysis of 16,000 stocks
Quick start course and investment coaching
Mobile App:
Yes
Current Promotions:
30 Day Introductory pricing starts at $9.95
Our VectorVest review objectively examines its analytical prowess, cost-effectiveness, and how it compares to similar tools.
What is VectorVest?
VectorVest is a popular stock analysis and portfolio management tool designed to augment clients’ trading efficiency in the stock market. With a unique blend of fundamental and technical analytic methodologies, VectorVest has carved a unique niche in the stock analysis sphere.
VectorVest aims to serve as an all-encompassing tool for stock analysis and portfolio management, helping its users make informed trading decisions.
How Does VectorVest Work?
Below,w we look at VectorVest’s key features and how it can help you make more informed trading decisions.
Proprietary Indicators
At the heart of VectorVest’s platform are its proprietary indicators, including Relative Safety (RS), Relative Timing (RT), and Relative Value (RV); these indicators are designed to help users make a quick and effective assessment of the markets, individual stocks, and sectors. A Rating above 1 is worth looking at.
VectorVest’s key differentiator from other stock analysis platforms is its rating system. An RST Rating above 1 is worth looking at.
- Relative Value: Anything above 1.00 is worth looking at. Anything below 1.00 is a red flag. Stocks with ratings higher than 1.00 have above-average appreciation potential.
- RS Relative Safety: Tells you how stable a stock is compared to other investments. Again, if the stock is above 1.00, it’s safer and more predictable than other stocks. If it’s risky and unpredictable, the rating will be below 1.00.
- RT Relative Timing: How does the short-term price performance look? Above 1.00 is good. Below 1.00 is risky.
- VST Value-Safety Timing: indicator aggregates RV, RS, and RT rolled up into one number.
Add to this the Near Perfect Indicator (NPI) that enhances market timing by comparing short-term and long-term averages of the Relative Timing (RT) indicator, and you have a robust system tracking stock price movements and trends.
You can sort through various stock recommendations that are considered “Buy”, “Sell”, or “Hold” based on their overall VST Number. The main drawback of these ratings is that VectorVest does not tell you how the ratings are calculated, which has frustrated some users.
Stock Screening
Another key feature of VectorVest is its stock screening capabilities. Users can create custom stock scans and use predefined searches to unearth potential investment opportunities.
VectorVest also offers several predefined screens, such as:
- ETF Pairs – Bullish
- ETF Pairs – Bearish
- Conservatives Stocks
- Aggressive Stocks
- Best stocks below $20
- and many more.
VectorVest’s stock scanning system allows users to filter and sort stocks using various fundamental and technical criteria. When you run a screen, you will get the stock’s overall VST score to help you make better trading decisions.
The platform also provides a Stop Price feature, which bases an automatic stop-loss level on each stock’s volatility, facilitating risk management decisions and helping users decide when to sell stocks. Users can effectively monitor and manage their investments with its integrated portfolio management system.
For advanced users, VectorVest offers ProTrader 7, an add-on with over 28 built-in and customizable technical searches.
Technical Analysis Tools
VectorVest’s technical analysis toolkit offers a comprehensive solution for those searching for other free charting websites. The toolkit includes custom charting, a variety of graph styles and indicators to analyze stock performance, and a customizable visualization of price data, technical indicators, and fundamental data like quarterly earnings.
The platform offers a suite of analysis features for users.
For enhanced functionality, VectorVest offers advanced tools like ProfitLocker Pro, which facilitates floating stop loss and profit taking, and the Options Analyzer tool, which provides ten different graphs to analyze option trades and includes various built-in trade strategies. However, it’s worth noting that compared to competitors like MetaStock or TradingView, VectorVest’s offering of around 20 technical indicators may not meet the needs of traders requiring detailed charting analysis.
Market Timing Indicators
VectorVest shines when it comes to market timing indicators. The platform features three main market timing systems: the Confirmed Market Call, the DEW Timing System, and the Primary Wave, all designed to provide insights into market direction. The Primary Wave, for example, provides rapid indication of market direction by analyzing the week-to-week price movement of the VectorVest Composite.
On the other hand, Confirmed Market Calls use a two-week VectorVest Composite price movement and the Buy/Sell Ratio for a more dependable market direction sign. Furthermore, the DEW Timing System harnesses technical analysis tools for an aggressive market timing approach, aided by the use of a market timing graph. All in all, these systems work in tandem to provide valuable insights, guiding investors in making informed trading decisions.
Pricing, Plans, Value
VectorVest offers 3 subscription tiers, each with varying levels of functionality. You can pay monthly or annually however the annual plans are a bit cheaper.
A basic subscription starts at $69/month, an enhanced plan at $99/month, and a premium plan at $149/month. All three plans offer a special introductory pricing starting at $9.99 for the first 30 days.
- Basic Plan: $68/mo. Includes end-of-day data updates, stock analysis & ratings, daily stock picks, market timing, screeners & watchlists, and phone support.
- Enhanced Plan: $83/mo. Includes all features of the Basic Plan, plus real-time data updates, intraday market timing, and additional stock analysis tools.
- Premium Plan: $125/mo. Includes all the features of the Enhanced Plan, plus options analysis, portfolio management tools, and personalized coaching.
I must admit, the pricing isn’t cheap, but it is generally inline with other stock analysis tools like Trade Ideas and TradingView. I signed up for the basic Plan with the 30 day special pricing of $9.99 to see what if it is worth it.
Some other reviews I read mentioned that they had difficulty canceling their subscription – this was not the case for me. I was able to cancel my subscription without any issues.
Add-Ons and Additional Services
Outside of the 3 primary subscription tiers, VectorVest users can purchase individual add-on services.
Popular add-ons include:
- Options Pro: $249/month for identifying options investment opportunities.
- RealTime Derby: Runs over 100 long strategies and over 30 short strategies as of the previous day’s close. It then creates a mini-portfolio of the top 10 stocks from each strategy, then tracks, ranks, and displays each portfolio’s real-time performance from the opening bell to the close.
- RoboTrader: $99/month for continuous portfolio monitoring.
- ProfitLocker Pro: $99/month for a dynamic trading stop that adjusts to market changes.
Pros and Cons Explained
Pros
- Timely Buy, Sell, or Hold Signals: The platform provides clear signals on whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock based on its proprietary algorithms. These signals are designed to help investors time their trades better.
- Educational Resources: VectorVest is not just about tools and data; it also provides a wealth of educational resources to help users improve their investing skills. From webinars to training sessions, there’s plenty for both beginners and experienced investors.
- Comprehensive Stock Analysis: VectorVest combines fundamental and technical analysis to give a complete overview of a stock’s performance. This dual approach helps investors make informed decisions.
Cons
- Limited Broker Integration: While you can execute a trade through the VectorVest platform, they only support accounts from Interactive Brokers, QuestTrade, and Tradestation.
- Outdated User Interface: The desktop version user interface is incredibly outdated, feels like i’m in 2003.
- Limited Transparency in Rating System: While VectoVest developed its propietary rating system, there is no insight to the rating system methodology; leaving some users frustrated.
Mobile App
VectorVest also offers a mobile app for stock analysis on the go. I must admit, I found the mobile app easier to navigate compared to the desktop version. Also the mobile app also had a more modern feel, which I appreciated.
User Experience and Support
VectorVest provides a user experience that meets its users’ expectations. The software is:
- Stable and user-friendly, particularly appealing to individuals new to investing due to its simplicity
- Encases a range of tutorials and training suited for different proficiency levels
- Provides knowledgeable instructors who are described as helpful and patient.
However, users have expressed mixed feelings about VectorVest’s customer support, with reports of both helpful phone support and experiences of unresponsive or poorly informed representatives. Additionally, some users noted that VectorVest may not be worth the expense compared to free alternatives, and caution about VectorVest’s aggressive marketing for additional courses and products.
Additionally, once I logged in, I noticed the user interface felt very outdated. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s worth noting. Also, you have to download software to use VectorVest; on a desktop, the service is not available directly from your browser.
Best Alternatives
Despite VectorVest’s extensive offerings, there are some great alternatives worth considering. Some platforms that provide similar services to VectorVest include:
1. Trade Ideas
Trade Ideas is a comprehensive trading platform that provides real-time data analysis, AI trade suggestions, personalized scans, and integration with brokerage platforms for traders of all levels to identify profitable trades.
- Best For: Active traders, Day traders, Swing traders
- Price: Starts at $84/month with an annual subscription
- Pros: AI-driven tools, custom and prebuilt screeners, automated trading functionality
- Cons: Limited broker integration, can be overwhelming for beginners
- Current Promotions: None listed
Read our Trade Ideas Review.
2. TrendSpider
TrendSpider is an advanced charting tool designed for technical traders and investors looking for an edge in the market through automated analysis and smart charting solutions. It utilizes AI to help with market analysis, making it easier to identify trends, patterns, and set up alerts.
- Best For: Technical traders and investors who need automated technical analysis tools to enhance their trading decisions.
- Price: Starts at $33/month with annual subscription
- Pros: Advanced technical analysis tools, customizable alerts, AI integration
- Cons: Can be complex for beginners
- Current Promotions: None listed
3. TradingView
TradingView is a popular charting platform offering a free option for traders who are just starting out or looking for basic charting features. The TradingView Basic Plan provides access to a comprehensive charting platform with limited functionalities.
- Best For: Fundamental investors, day traders
- Pros: AI-Driven Tools, extensive trading indicators, Trading community
- Cons: Limited Broker Integration
- Price: Free – $59/month
- Current Promotions: 30 Day Free Trial
Or read our complete TradingView Review.
The Bottom Line
VectorVest offers a comprehensive platform for stock analysis and portfolio management. With its unique system-based evaluations and clear buy/sell signals, it could be a valuable tool for serious traders and investors. However, with higher pricing compared to many of its competitors and a lack of transparency in its proprietary rating system, users should weigh the benefits against the costs and consider alternative platforms before committing to a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make money with VectorVest?
Yes, VectorVest provides stock analysis and portfolio management tools that can help you make money in the stock market. With its guidance, you can analyze, rank, and graph thousands of stocks daily for value, safety, and timing.
Does VectorVest cost money?
Yes, VectorVest costs money with an annual fee of $96 for RealTime exchange fees in the US market.
How does VectorVest work?
VectorVest works by analyzing thousands of stocks and providing clear buy, sell, or hold signals based on its proprietary indicators. It also includes market timing tools and comprehensive stock reports to assist investors.
What are the main features of VectorVest?
VectorVest offers proprietary indicators and algorithms, technical analysis tools, stock scanning capabilities, market timing indicators, and a mobile app for on-the-go market guidance. It has everything you need for comprehensive market analysis.
