About Us

Our Mission
Dave Fry
ETF Portfolios and Performance
Dave's Sacred Cows
What They're Saying About Us
FAQ
Advertise with Us

Our Mission
To educate and empower individual investors and financial professionals with:
- Experienced, honest, independent and relevant information on ETFs.
- Strategies incorporating fundamental and technical analysis to help explain which global markets are “working” and “why";
- Employing risk protection tools and strategies for capital preservation regardless of market direction;
- Providing actionable advice on global ETF investing from which to create and assemble individually customized ETFportfolios and strategies.
Dave Fry
Dave Fry is founder and publisher of ETF Digest and best selling author of Create Your Own ETF Hedge Fund, A DIY Strategy for Private Wealth Management published by Wiley Finance in 2008. His new eBook, The Best ETFs: U.S. Equities, A Companion Guide to Building Your ETF Portfolio released on October 2012 is now available in Kindle Edition.

Specializing as a market strategist and tactician, Fry focuses on evaluating, creating and implementing a variety of ETF portfolios for individual investors and financial professionals. His philosophy and approach incorporates fundamental with technical analysis in pursuit of risk management and capital preservation especially during uncertain and volatile times.

Fry founded the ETF Digest in 2001 and was among the very first to see the need for an online publication that provided individual investors and financial professionals with trading tools, relevant market information and actionable guidance and advice on ETF investing.

His popular and internationally read Dave's Daily blog provides an independent and unbiased comprehensive global market summary of technical chart analyses on market moving ETFs and stocks. In July of 2009, Fry was named in the ETF Hall of Fame as one of the Top 25 people who revolutionized the ETF industry and guided ETF investing from its conception to widespread acceptance among all breeds of investors.

Dave Fry has devoted over 40 years to the business of trading and portfolio management. He is registered as an arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the National Futures Association (NFA).

Dave is a frequent commentator and presenter on ETFs and other issues important to individual investors for ETF conferences and private investment groups. His perspectives are featured in global financial news sources, radio, webinars and print media..

By 2002 ETF Digest trading programs were making triple-digit gains, despite the sharp overall market decline at that time, and Dave’s newsletter began attracting favorable coverage in Barron’s with three positive reviews in 2002, 2004 and 2007.

Career highlights

In 1999, he founded TechInvest Inc. and introduced the TechTrend Advisor newsletter sharing his market investing experience on the internet.

From 1997-99, he was Managing Director, Proprietary Investments, at JWH Investment Management (JWHIMI), an affiliated company of John W. Henry & Company. In that capacity, Dave was responsible for the management of private investments as well as some corporate accounts.

For a period of 10 years prior to joining JWHIMI, David owned, managed and operated an NASD broker/dealer, Fry & Co.and an SEC registered investment advisory firm, Asia-Pacific Investment Management Inc.

He was also a registered Commodity Pool Operator [CPO], Commodity Trading Advisor [CTA], and Introducing Broker [IB].

Prior to operating his own investment firms, Dave was Vice President, Investments at Shearson Lehman Bros. and held a similar position at Paine Webber.

During his tenure with registered firms he maintained the following licenses: Municipal Bond Principal (Series 53), Options Principal (Series 4), General Securities Principal (Series 24), General Securities (Series 7), Commodity (Series 3), State Securities License (Series 63), and State Insurance License (Life).
ETF Portfolios and Performance

Create Your Own ETF Hedge Fund Portfolio

Our intent is to give subscribers a starting point and guide from which to

assemble a portfolio from carefully selected individual ETFs and markets

covered by the ETF Digest. Subscribers are free to use the ETFs as they

choose whether individually or in portfolios of their own creation.

Dave's Special Portfolio

Dave's Special Portfolio (DSP) is our active model portfolio designed to

keep subscribers current with the most effective ETF sector allocations

that take advantage of both bullish and bearish conditions across the

globe. Intended to serve a more active trader and aggressive investor.

Designed for 35% income using a mixed selection of dividend and higher

yielding ETFs, 35% core equity using a blend of established ETFs with

positive trending characteristics and high liquidity and 30% active trading

using leveraged ETFs, opportunistic plays and hedging.

Lazy and Hedged Lazy Portfolios

Launched on March 4, 2013, the All Weather Portfolio has been a

popular strategy for many investors to employ. As noted, the world’s

largest hedge fund, Bridgewater, uses the strategy for its own employee

retirement funds and a base investment for clients. They add “alpha”

(more return) by employing other more aggressive strategies to it.

The primary theme is to divide the portfolio into equal quarters where the

asset classes are uncorrelated. Theoretically, this reduces risk while

allowing the better performing asset classes to outperform lagging sectors

by a significant amount.

We’re adding our own selection of ETFs to the portfolio and will

rebalance it once a year.

In addition, ETF Digest has 6 Lazy and Hedged Lazy Portfolios for

investors who don’t wish to actively trade their portfolios but are looking

for experienced advice in constructing portfolios to suit their needs

whether for retirement plans or income needs in retirement.

Performance
Dave's Sacred Cows
#1 Make every indicated trade, every time.

How many times have I kicked myself because I thought I could outsmart my own system? When I first started trading, it seemed perfectly natural to do things like put off placing an order because I was waiting for current news stories to develop favorably, thinking that I, rather than some system, knew more about current market conditions. I thought it was prudent to err on the side of caution, and, in short, I was not pulling the trigger when I was supposed to. This is a recipe for certain failure for any trader. This is true whether you trade off the signals generated by The ETF Digest or by any other system. A wise trader once said, "An inferior system, consistently implemented, is superior to a great system inconsistently implemented."

#2 Turn off the TV during market hours.

Mad Money or The Money Honey may have their following, but watching financial TV is a major distraction to a systemized trader following a technical system. Most people are shocked to learn that I don't watch the market during the day unless I'm placing an order. But it's true. One needs to be disciplined and tune out distractions. I work on my system after the market closes and work my orders at the opening of the market the next day if I have a signal. If there is some market-rocking news during a particular day, someone will let me know. Then I’ll determine if it’s meaningful. But, in all my studies, it seems to balance out that waiting until the next day is just as profitable, or more so, as acting on some intra-day news event.

#3 Market sector rotation is a fact of life,

so diversify.

It makes sense for investors to spread their portfolio over a wide asset class. The ETF Digest offers effective trading signals on a wide variety of market sectors, and I hope that subscribers will benefit by placing themselves in the strongest sectors and out of the weakest sectors at the best time.
A key risk-reducing strategy that will optimize overall portfolio return has been the advent of ETF's (Exchange Traded Funds). These low-expense securities allow investors broad market exposure, flexibility (including the easy ability to short), and little individual stock risk.

#4 Accept your trading losses as a cost of doing

business.

I hate losing money. Everyone does. Yet, if you were operating a newsstand on a street corner, you'd lose money from time to time. It happens. Accept trading losses as a cost of doing business and move forward. It's the only path to success.

There is no perfect trading system.

As Ernest Hemmingway stated: “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”

#5 To avoid severe losses, stocks must be traded.

A "buy and hold" approach is a prescription for ultimate failure. Even the "averaging down" principles touted by many experts have proven to be a disaster. Just ask investors involved in the 1973-75, 2000-2002 and more recent bear market how well their stocks recovered when at last bull markets resumed. Many of the hottest stocks from those markets disappeared from the scene and never returned. Bull market maxims such as "buy and hold," "invest for the long term," and "average down" are hurtful to investors. Fee-conflicted firms want investors to stay in the market for the long term so they can earn long-term fees.

The NASDAQ, for example, peaked in 2000 at a level over 5,000 and nearly 10 years later is half that level.

#6 Have R.E.S.P.E.C.T for the successful methods of others.

One of my favorite people once said, "There are many ways to get to heaven." That maxim may also apply to investing or trading the markets. Warren Buffet, Peter Lynch, Bill Gross, and Barton Biggs are just a few of the more famous names on Wall Street. They each have different methods, but they do share some things in common. They are successful because they are disciplined and consistent in their methods. I respect that in them. They would not necessarily agree with my style of investing, but they would respect the discipline and the results.

#7 You don't need a PhD to make money in the

markets, but you do need a good feel for the trigger.

Years ago, when I was running my own brokerage firm, an opportunity was presented for me to hire a gentleman who possessed a PhD. He was a great guy whom I liked very much, but unfortunately, the relationship didn't work out for either of us.

Shortly after I retained his services, I excitedly told my mentor and best client of what I thought was a hiring coup for my company. His silence let me know he wasn't impressed. About two weeks later, I received a plain manilla envelope from him containing a photocopy of an essay entitled, "From the Garden." It was written in the 1930's about the great economist, John Maynard Keynes. In London during this period a group of very smart and well-connected financiers had convinced Keynes to manage a public fund that they would market. His stellar reputation and credentials would surely bring in many clients, and high fees would flow to these organizers and Keynes. It never occurred to them that Keynes couldn't manage money. During a short period of time, the value of the assets garnered by these individuals and entrusted to Keynes dwindled away. He was quietly removed from the management of the portfolio and returned to his proper role as an economist.

The bottom line: Keynes didn't have the stomach for trading and wasn't able to pull the trigger.

#8 At any given time, the market can make anyone

look like an idiot. Always.

.
#9 "If you have to forecast, forecast often."

Economist Edgar R. Fiedler

#10 Things Change.
How does the ETF Digest determine its Market signals?

The ETF Digest studies markets from a technical chart perspective trying to identify and invest in emerging market trends. This is done through a careful analysis of "daily", "weekly" and "monthly" charts of indexes and related ETFs or securities.

Our focus is to identify trends that may prove long-lasting and profitable.

Our objective is to make “two-thirds” of long-term market trends.
Our trade methodology is as follows:
- On the "ETF Main Menu" page are listed all ETFs and securities that we follow routinely and may also be included within suggested portfolios.
- The "Method" [Trade Methodology] indicates that we analyze markets first based on [W/D] "weekly" chart technical analysis to spot emerging trends and secondarily from "daily" chart views.
- Infrequently, we may reduce or eliminate open positions from "daily" chart analysis especially when "weekly" charts indicate serious market overbought/oversold conditions.
- Dave's Special Portfolio [DSP] follows a more unique methodology.
A more detailed explanation is available in our premium member's area.

Take the free trial now.
What They're Saying About Us

Like charts?

If you don’t like charts, chances are ETF Digest is not for you. But if you’re a chartist like Dave, with a subscription to ETF Digest you might experience chart euphoria.

We believe that in order to provide our readers, subscribers and followers with the most honest and authentic commentary, we go straight to the charts to see what’s really happening out there…minus spin, talking heads, pundits etc.

I am an investor/trader interested in improving my knowledge and ability with ETFs. I have enjoyed the writing of Mr. Fry for sometime and wish to subscribe to his service now. Thank you very much for all you do for the investment community! Bill M. May 19, 2013

Spot on. I've said it before (and I'm not the only one), the Fed has painted itself into a corner. If Bernanke was that clever he would have got the Dow up into the 11,000 to 12,000 area, S&P 1150 to 1250, and managed it there, instead of which he wanted a stock market return to 'normalcy', i.e. at or above the sub prime bubble area of 14,000. Fool. David C. May 17, 2013

Great job again. Dangerous market. Thanks again for your wisdom and clarity. Doug C. April 14, 2013

I find myself overwhelmed with the multitude of Data. I am MOST THANKFUL for you sharing Your Experience and Interpolations!! Scooter P. February 2, 2013

"Dave has great insight to the “way it is”. Not many commentators have a clue, but Dave does, whether the ridiculous monetary policies forcing a bullish outlook (this day or that), (this week or that). I have appreciated his “pithy”comments for over three years- I found him on Seeking Alpha. Thanks for your contributions and website. Keep it up!"

"I love Dave's written summaries often as much as the chart analysis.The charts might be boring without the comments. The comments are what makes the chart come to life."

"The short summaries without the bullshit that's often fed to us makes for a nice re-cap of current and financial events. I greatly value Dave's Daily for being a nice part of my 'wind-down' after work. I value his insight into what is influencing the market, and its effect on different sectors."

"The charts & comments on them are very informative. Also I get a good laugh at his timely picture corresponding to the mood of the day."

"Intraday Commentary & overall portfolio structure. Very much enjoy the commentaries from D.Gillies and others..."

"Sorry - I am pretty new to this whole game, so take my comments lightly please. What is most valuable to me is Dave's open debate, i.e. where he says the upside and downside of a situation, and then makes his summary call. Too many other blogs only make a case pro or con and, unsurprisingly, those blogs tend to be viewed by readers as un-credible. Credibility and charts is why I read this digest."

"He is among the best in the game, and just keep being Dave as true Dave....not afraid to be wrong as wrong.....He have one of the soundest head, and it is okay to be wrong, as LONG as we have gather most odd on our side....uh, Dave's side......... never have much trust in the technical chart's longevity in "correctness"......anyway ......"

"Keep comenting (sic)on all the dirty tricks hedge funds or HFT or all the other greedy professional money managers do. I can't find where to read about this anywhere else as clear as Dave do it."

"I value Dave's Daily for the Overview, charts and humor and his experience overall for depth of analysis. The reason tech analysis, and for that matter, fundamentals don't produce the results they used to, is because the degree of lawlessness and fraud is unprecedented. Casinos are more fairly run and better regulated with no HFT distortion. I wouldn't change Dave's Daily; you just have to acknowledge the environment we're operating in and everyone has to modify their strategies accordingly ."

"I value Dave's personal opinion very highly. It is concise and to the point. The connection to other web pages as needed has also been very helpful."

How does Dave's Daily and/or being a premium subscriber complement your investment objectives?

"Short term view. Everything I tried with recs failed."

"It helps me make better decisions on Sunday evening, when Asain (sic) markets open for business, as far as the upcoming week."

"Dave is brilliant, humorous and is a teacher. I am not invested at this time because of the overt manipulation of the markets and so I have not YET availed myself of the premium services."

"Just interesting to see his read on the markets versus my own."

"Helps me time buy/sell decisions & I rarely invest in etf's but the charts give insights into what's happens in a different sector."

"The daily S&P chart with Dave's cryptic comment gives me a quick overview of the day's event. This has been very valuable to me in planning my next day's activity in the market. Other charts also give me a quick review of what is going on in various sectors of the market as well as in the international markets."

"HELPS LONG TERM"

"Have taken similar positions when long or short has been indicated."

"..x-check / verify Dorsey Wright P&F / Relative Strength discipline § provides a macro backdrop. I subscribe to a couple of newsletters and keep up to date via a few blogs. Dave's Daily is one of my valued resources"

"I greatly respect Dave and I have learned so much from him! Dave's Daily is absolutely essential reading (next to ZeroHedge). No improvement possible for someone at the top of his game. My only suggestion would be to add more content from David Gillie , who has been writing some very interesting articles as well. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone at ETF Digest! Kind regards. ps: Dave, I know from time to time people have been giving you a hard time for staying on the sidelines and in cash. I've got the same problems with my family members who consider 'cash' a four-letter word. FOOLS!! Please ignore the noise and focus on what your experience is telling you. I can't thank you enough for sharing your thoughts with others."

"Love the weekend videos, please do more."

"Especially like the posting of other market experts to round out analysis of markets, charts, events."

"I value Dave's insight on the market and his analysis of its related sectors. We (our company has $25M AUM) are active equity managers of indexed ETFs. History is history and interesting reading.

The future is for dreamers and theorizers. As best we can, we try to focus on what's happening NOW and where's the momentum NOW. And unlike some of Dave's subscribers, if cash is where we should be NOW, then cash it is. That's prudent investment management as far as I'm concerned. So Dave can keep telling me what he sees is happening NOW and let me decide how much credence to give his observations"

"Dave, keep up your brave work. You are a light in the darkness and your clarity keeps me sane!"

Still not sure? Take a free 14 day trial.
FAQ

General Overview

Q: What is the ETF Digest?

ETF Digest is an internet only based subscription newsletter service focused on technical analysis of exchange-traded funds covering global market summary at a glance.

ETF Digest monitors over 100 ETFs, covering stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, and international markets in a comprehensive manner not offered by any other service.

We believe that in order to provide our subscribers with the most honest and authentic commentary, we go straight to the charts to see what’s really happening out there…minus spin, talking heads, pundits etc.

ETF Digest is not available in print publication for mail distribution.

Q: Is a subscription to the ETF Digest a tax-deductible expense?

You can deduct the cost of subscribing to financial publications such as the ETF Digest as an investment-related expense.

Q: How do I get help at the ETF Digest?

The fastest way to receive help is to send us an email. Please click on the 'Contact Us' link.

You may also call us between 7AM – 4PM ET at (347) 537-6855 Monday - Friday.

Q: How many portfolios are there? [TOP]

There is one active model ETF portfolio: Dave’s Special Portfolio [DSP].

In addition, we offer three Lazy Portfolios and three Hedged Lazy Portfolios. Our latest addition is the All Weather Portfolio to be launched on March 4, 2013.

Or you can create your own hedge fund portoflio from our Selected ETFs menu covering over 100 ETFs.

Q: I can't access the member site and it won't recognize my password. How can I access the member's area?

Click Member Login. Click Forgot Login. A temporary username or password will be sent to your email address and you can use this to enter the member's area. Once you are logged in, we encourage you to reset your password in the My Account section located on the right column of the website. Please follow the instructions below to reset your password.

Q: How do I reset my password? [TOP]

You must be logged in to the member site to reset your password. Expand the My Account button located on the right column. Click My Profile. Click Contact Info and enter your new username or password of choice. Click Update. Refresh your browser. [CNTRL and F5]

Q: How do I update my email address information? [TOP]

You can update your contact information by expanding the My Account button on the right column in the member's area. Click My Profile. Click Contact Info and enter your new email address. Click Update. Refresh your browser. [CNTRL and F5]

Q: Where do I go to sign up for a free trial? [TOP]

You can sign for a free trial HERE

Subscribers are determined on a per household basis

14-day free trial is limited to first time subscribers only.

Limit one 14-day free trial per subscriber.

As a free trial subscriber, you must register your billing details like all other subscribers.

Q: Can I use the entire 14 days of free trial even if I decide to cancel my free trial? [TOP]

Yes, you will have 14 days to review and experience our site. However, if you do not wish to continue your free-trial, you must notify us with an email notification to cancel to support [at] etfdigest.com at least 48 hours before your 14-day trial period expires.

For security and accuracy measures, we do not accept subscription cancellations over the telephone. This must be done in writing via email notification. If we do not receive email notification to cancel from you within this period, your free trial is automatically converted to a regular subscription by Cybersource.com.

Q: What are the subscription rates? [TOP]

The recurring monthly subscription rate is $19.95.

The recurring annual subscription rate is $195.00 which is non-refundable and non-proratable.

Q: How do I change my subscription after I have signed up? [TOP]

Please send an email notification request to change your subscription plan to support[at]etfdigest.com.

Once we receive confirmation that your new account has been successfully processed, your old account will be deactivated and prorated, if applicable. We will send you a confirmation email.

Q: How do I cancel my subscription? [TOP]

If you do not wish to continue as a free-trial or regular subscriber, you must notify us with an email notification to cancel to support [at] etfdigest.com at least 48 hours before your 14-day trial period or regular subscription expires.

For security and accuracy measures, we do not accept subscription cancellations over the telephone. This must be done in writing via email notification. If we do not receive written notification to cancel from you within this period, your free trial is automatically converted to a regular subscription or your regular subscription will be automatically renewed by Cybersource.com.

Q: What do I do if I want to use a new credit card? [TOP]

You will need to create a new subscription account HERE

Q: When does my subscription expire? [TOP]

The "Charge Date" given on the Cybersource receipt page is the precise date when your free trial will end. Please refer to the confirmation receipt email you received after the free trial registration. Your subscription details are available in the My Account button on the right column in the member's area.

Q: What do I do if my credit card has expired? [TOP]

We can automatically update your credit card if you provide us with the new expiration date of the same card on file. Please send us an email to support[at]etfdigest.com.

Q: What should I do when my credit card transaction failed? [TOP]

You will have to renew your account with Cybersource directly. Please create a new account HERE

Q: What are action alerts? [TOP]

An ETF Digest market action alert is an e-mail message notification that is sent out to subscribers asking for a specific action to be taken whether to buy or close open positions for the next market trading day.

Q: What kinds of email notifications are sent out to members? [TOP]

Subscribers receive email notification of postings for Dave's Daily [typically daily M-F after market close], intraday chart commentary [daily during market hours], and video broadcasts.

Action alerts are sent out for weekend market commentary and signals for the ETF main menu and portfolios.

Q: I did not receive an action alert email. [TOP]

Please realize that we want our subscribers to always anticipate and enjoy the valuable information that our publication delivers.

The use of the Internet to transmit and receive information creates additional risk. ETF Digest will attempt to post signals on the web site. However, ETF Digest cannot be responsible for delays in transmitting the information described on this site resulting from problems with internet connectivity, either your or our own, or by slowdowns of internet transmittal of information.

If you currently use an anti-spam program or service, we ask that you take just a minute or two to add ETF Digest to your "safe" or permitted email sender list. This usually involves simply adding our sending address (From:) to your whitelist, safelist, or list of privileged senders. This is commonly known as whitelisting a publication.

Q: When are the hedge fund portfolio comparison numbers from All Hedge Index posted? [TOP]

The hedge fund portfolio comparison numbers for the previous month are posted on the 15th of the current month.
Advertise with Us

The ETF Digest is a daily must-read for investors, traders, financial professionals and journalists.

Our readers and subscribers have said that they start their morning with a cup of coffee and Dave's Daily charts. Others say it is the most comprehensive yet pithy global market summary to wind their work day.

We offer advertisers the ability to reach a savvy, targeted, loyal and growing global audience.

We have distinct advantages, including the flexibility to expand or narrow the target audience focus. Our features such as Dave's Daily charts and market analysis, intraday chart commentary, guest commentaries, Top 10 ETFs articles and DeMark 9 videos showcase original content, which are carefully managed for quality and consistency.

Let us put your brand and message in the hands and on the screens of the audience you want.

Please contact us for more information on advertising opportunities at ETF Digest.

Send an email to: russell@etfdigest.com

About Us

follow on twitter ETF Digest