Frequently Asked Questions

What makes 360Portfolios better than others ?
What are the 360Portfolios services?
Do you provide Investment Advisory Services?
How does the 360Portfolio track record stack-up ?
How do I keep my Portfolio(s) updated ?
How are the ActionAlerts generated?
How long after an ActionAlert has been issued can I Buy?
If a current holding has lost money should I buy in or wait?
Should I take profits in a portfolio position that has gained hugely before the next ActionAlert ?
Can I use Load funds I already own instead of No Load funds and ETFs?
Can I substitute other ETFs, Mutual Funds, or Stocks for ActionAlert positions?
What asset classes are represented in the 360Portfolios Core Portfolio Types?
Do 360Portfolios incorporate Short or Inverse funds & ETF options?
What degree of portfolio turnover is involved?
How does the GuardRait tm Technology work?
How many portfolios can I run using my subscription?
What broker dealers do you recommend for use?
Can I upgrade to an Annual Subscription plan later?
Do you have a Referral program ?
How do I cancel my subscription?

Additional Questions? Call us at 800-737-1117 or email us at: cs@360portfolios.com

What makes 360Portfolios better than others ?

360Portfolios addresses the need of Investors to get institutional grade help managing their money in a simple, easy-to-use format. This back-tested, innovative solution instills discipline in your Money Management process, helps you avoid harmful investment mistakes, and automates the all-important when and what to buy and sell questions. What's more, your affordable Subscription based service will allow you to put Commissions and Assets management fees directly to your bottom line.

 

What are 360Portfolios Services?

360Portfolios provides a fully automated black box indicator and asset allocation ActionAlert service that imposes discipline to the investment process. Designed with time-tested principles of portfolio management built-in, and failsafe stop loss measures to preserve principal, 360portfolios outperforms widely used Market Timing, Indexing, Buy & Hold, and Rebalancing investment methods.

In addition to the service to automate ActionAlerts to help Subscribers improve their performance,360Portfolios provides weekly market wrap-ups detailing factors that have impacted the financial markets and an Subscriber's Forum to get specific questions answered. And perhaps more importantly, we provide peace of mind by reinforcing the rationale for using a disciplined program to keep emotion out of the money management equation.

 

Do you provide Investment Advisory Services?

No, 360Portfolios does not offer investment advisory services. We do offer a Broker Assist program where a licensed broker familiar with the 360Portfolios' service will place all trades on your behalf and under your direction. We can additionally refer you to an investment advisor should you additionally want account supervisory assistance on an on-going basis.

 

How does the 360Portfolio track record stack up against others ?

The 360Portfolio algorithm was back-tested with historical market data over the twenty-five year period from 1980-2005. Then it was beta-tested with paper trades during 2006 before going live this year. These hypothetical results indicate that the 360Porfolios' algorithm can outperformed the S&P500 Market index by a significant margin. The superior performance advantage occurred primarily because the algorithm was designed to identify the best market opportunities and allocate to them while cutting losses. Because the S&P500 is highly correlated to other market indices like the Nasdaq Composite Index and International (EAFE) market index, the algorithm also performed well in shorter term back tests, not in each individual year, but consistently over all 3, 5 & 10 year time periods.

When one directly compares the 360Portfolio methodology with other strategies like, Buy and Hold, Fixed Allocation, Indexing, Rebalancing, and Market Timing methodologies, in addition to Modern Portfolio Theory's (MPT) Efficient Frontier method, there are two distinct differences that account for these superior comparative results.

The first differentiator is entirely mathematical. Buy and Hold, Fixed Allocation, Indexing,and Rebalancing methodologies by definition deliver average returns. Think about it, in any of these methodologies investors hold through downturns. In using Rebalancing,¯ you are selling what has, and is, performing best and buying what has declined”essentially a dollar-cost-averaging proposition. The best any of these methodologies can consistently do is produce Average returns. So if the typical Bull Market has a duration 2x greater than the duration of a Bear market, the simple math of automatic rebalancing is against you. Moreover, poor timing of trades make it as likely that you will have below average investment results as not because of the averaging process.

Market Timing methodologies by contrast inherently attempt to predict¯ the market movements of stocks or indices using price and volume pattern recognition. Research indicates that no one has been successful consistently using Market Timing. There are just too many variables and intervening political, economic and social forces at work to make this a consistently winning, long term methodology.

MPT's methodology for optimizing investment results has been determined to be flawed because of its reliance on historical data inputs for expected, future returns. In practice it has not optimized investment results, and instead has led to the over-concentration of assets and unacceptable investment risk. This has led to adaptations of MPT methodology to force diversification and lower turnover, at the cost of optimization.

By contrast the 360Portfolio differentiator is that the algorithm is designed to provide guidance based on current market data and does not attempt to time or predict future, expected returns. The 360Portfolio algorithm simply looks at market facts and attempts to identify the best market opportunities while avoiding declining options. It falls short of 100% accuracy (84.6%), but is not required to be completely accurate to beat the ˜Average!'

 

How do I keep my Portfolio(s) Updated ?

The 360Portfolio algorithm generates ActionAlerts when market conditions and pre-defined core portfolio type parameters reach pivot points. ActionAlerts are generated at the end of each day that the markets have been trading. When new ActionAlerts are issued, they are sent to you at your contact email address. These ActionAlert notices alert you of the need to log into the 360Portfolios account and read the advisories to portfolio changes in asset allocation and the need to take corrective actions.


When and How do I get notified of Portfolio Changes?

360Portfolios Current allocations for your customized portfolio(s) are available when you're logged in. In addition, market commentary and the core portfolio type current allocations are updated and posted in the Subscriber's Forum for reference.


How are the ActionAlerts generated?

The 360Portfolio ActionAlerts are generated by a proprietary algorithm that first assesses the financial health of the markets in the short and intermediate term. Economic indicators are part of its decision rule to determine if we are in an UP, Sideways or Down Market. Next the probability of the current trend continuing is assessed. Then the algorithm sets portfolio core type asset allocations coincident with the risk/return parameters. Next a correlation (R 2 ) analysis for is run to optimize asset allocations. This is followed by cross-check of asset class rankings against market indices before failsafe parameters are set to activate the GuardRail tm technology. F inally ActionAlerts are sent out notifying affected portfolios of the need to take action.


How long after an ActionAlert has been issued can I Buy?

After an ActionAlert has been issued you should go ahead and act as soon as you get it. If for some reason you do not, you should go ahead as soon as you can. This is almost always true regardless of the investment result because of the way ActionAlerts are generated and work. You should not wait until the next ActionAlert thinking you are buying too high or have missed it. The reason for this is that your money management should be guided by a discipline, not emotion. Second guessing what is happening leads to emotional decision making. Deviating from decision rules will invalidate the method and likely adversely affect your results. Remember the 360Portfolios algorithm has been back-tested to work if followed. Do your best to act the very next day at the open of the market for best results.


If a current ActionAlert has lost money should I buy in or wait?

If the current ActionAlert is a false positive, meaning the position is declining, it could go still lower, and typically this is because the market has had a short term reversal just following the ActionAlert . Or in the case of a hedge where the market continues going higher the position is declining, and this could continue for some time before a reversal ensues. In either case follow the ActionAlert rather than second guessing your strategy.

In the case where the position is down and is not a hedge, the ActionAlert may lead the way back when the market turns around again. If not the GuardRail technology will be triggered to supersede the previous alert. In the case of the hedge, the market has given some indication that it is ready for a reversal so you should also follow the ActionAlert . The reason for this is that the individual ActionAlerts are independent variables that aggregate in sum to produce superior results over time. The reliability is in the mathematical algorithm that works by optimizing the probability of outcome among the various holdings. Deviating from decision rules will invalidate the method and likely adversely affect your results. Do your best to act the very next day at the open of the market for best results.

 

Should I take profits in a current position that has gained hugely before the next ActionAlert ?

In general the answer it's your decision. In back-tests some portfolio holdings were held for well over a year and produced triple digit returns. 360Portfolio ActionAlerts are designed to guide portfolio allocation decisions and best results occur if they are followed. However that said, understand that this is your decision alone and that no one ever went broke, or suffered lasting criticism, taking a profit. If you do take early profits those proceeds should be placed in cash to await the next ActionAlert .
 

Can I use Load funds I already own instead of No Load funds and ETFs?

One of the big advantages of the 360Portfolios program is that you do not have to sell everything you own and paid commissions on to use the tools. You can use your Load mutual fund portfolio by using the 360Porfolio converter database. This permits you to make exchanges between funds in a fund family without incurring substantial CDSC's or paying another commission. Please not however, that your long term portfolio performance results may be negatively impacted by the higher internal expenses of Load funds.


Can I substitute other ETFs, Mutual Funds, or Stocks for ActionAlert positions?

The 360Portfolios' tools enable you to have full control and assists you in managing your account(s) in the way you want. 360Portfolios advocates your use of the lowest cost, highest ranking (alpha,) best-in-class mutual funds found in the core portfolio type opportunity sets.¯ Because of the popularity, liquidity and comparably low cost of ETFs, the 360Portfolios opportunity sets also includes selected ETFs from Barclays, Rydex, Pro Shares, Vanguard and others. If you do decide to substitute your favorite fund company, consider overall costs and the fact that the addition of Load fund portfolios can adversely impact your long term results. When deciding to make a substitution, whatever you do use the same asset class as indicated by the ActionAlerts . The 360Portfolio conversion database can assist you in any case.


What asset classes are represented in the 360Portfolios Core Portfolio Types?

The 360Portfolios core portfolio types include all basic asset classes (stocks, bonds, cash, real estate, commodities & currencies) including sub-sectors of equities (Large, Mid, Small, Int'l, Emerging Market) in both Growth and Value styles. In addition Sectors (Basic Materials, Finance, Healthcare, Technology, Energy, Metals) as well as the spectrum of debt securities (governments, corporates, munis, target maturity and high yield issues) are utilized, dependent on the core portfolio type risk/return profile.


Do 360Portfolios incorporate Short or Inverse funds & ETF options?

360Portfolios do incorporate short or inverse funds and ETFs. These are incorporated in the opportunity sets of the two most aggressive core portfolio types.


What degree of portfolio turnover is involved?

The 360Portfolio algorithm is engineered to minimize portfolio turnover, but also to take corrective action as needed. The more aggressive core portfolio types have more changes than the less aggressive ones. Note that there is a trade-off between the need to be tax efficient and the need to take profits and protect portfolios from loss. The algorithm's decision rule seeks to optimize this trade off, but market conditions are really the driver of core portfolio type turnover activity.


How does the GuardRail tm technology work?

The 360Portfolio algorithm is engineered to increase profits by finding opportunities in asset classes that are appreciating or going up. The proprietary GuardRail technology is designed to provide a degree of loss control when the market is going down. The GuardRail technology includes measures to guard against false positive ActionAlert signals, built-in stop loss and trailing stop loss triggers, capital preservation routines, and basic ˜failsafe' proceedures to prevent excessive over-concentration of assets.


How many portfolios can I run using my subscription?

As a paid subscriber you are limited to 5 customized portfolios that we store and display for you. You can however use the website and tools to run an unlimited number of similar portfolios as an individual subscriber.

If you are a professional advisor, broker or provide advice to clients for compensation, you can subscribe under our group licensing program. Please contact us at subscriptions@360portfolios.com for details or call us at 800-737-1117 .

 

What broker dealers do you recommend for use?

360Portfolios is independent of broker and clearing firm platforms so that subscribers can use whomever they want. The overriding factor in choosing a platform is trade costs and access to the widest selection of ETFs, No Load, No Transaction fee funds available to trade at NAV (without commissions).

Can I upgrade to an Annual Subscription plan later?

Yes, if you upgrade within 90 days you can upgrade at the lower subscription cost. Just give Support a call.

When you subscribe to the 360Portfolios service you can pay using Paypal, Check, Visa, MC, Discover, or American Express. You can subscribe online or call us directly. After you have subscribed you will register a User ID and Password which will give you immediate access to all areas of the PPS website and PPS services.

Unless you cancel your subscription, your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the subscription period and we will automatically bill you. This will prevent any lapse in your receiving the ActionAlerts. Please read more about the subscription services, email us at subscriptions@360portfolios.com or call us at 800-737-1117

Do you have a Referral program?

Yes! If you make a referral to us and they subscribe you can extend your subscription by one month free or opt for a $50.00 cash payment. The cash payment will be disbursed after the 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee period has elapsed if they paid for an annual subscription or be paid in 2 installments after receipt of each 6 months paid subscription. There is no limit to the number of Referral rewards you can receive.


How can I cancel my subscription?

You may cancel your subscription to360Portfolios at any time by sending a cancellation request to us by email at subcriptions@360portfolios.com

 

Please read our Cancellation and Refund Policy here . (link and pop up window for text below:

360Portfolios offers an unconditional 30 day money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason in the first 30 days, we will refund your subscription payment in full, no questions asked. Simply email us at subscriptions@360portfolios.com to notify us of your desire for a full refund. Include your User ID and Password. Notifications must be in writing.

Beyond the 30 day cancellation period, there is No Refund of your subscription for any time remaining on your paid subscription. You cancel your subscription at any time by sending us an email of your desire to cancel at subscriptions@360porfolios.com and we will stop charging your credit card or bank checking account. Your subscription will remain active for the remaining term for which you are paid up without any further charges. All cancellations must sent to us in writing.

IT IS YOUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY TO INITIATE CANCELATION AND REFUND REQUESTS BY EMAIL AND TO FOLLOW UP IF YOUR WRITTEN REQUEST IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED.