[alva]

Mixed feelings on this. In some ways, I quite like it. Certainly adds some more automation to the process and makes it simple. Nice UI.

On the other hand, I am sure you are well aware of just how many amateurs lose money because they think they can actively manage and "play the stock market". My fear is that letting people make extremely, and these are extremely simple rules will make them feel even more in control and "smart" about their investments decisions.

Every rule examples presented are horrific simplifications that are somewhat intuitive (the dangerous kind!), giving confidence to the user, but would never pass for a sensible trading strategy. I think you are misleading users into thinking they are much more in control than they actually are.

From CEO in this comment thread

>"Trigger is trying to take the emotion out of investing, as the pros do."

>"As a former trader..."

As a former trader you must understand how complex trading and analysis is.

[tuna-piano]

My first reaction with this was "seems fun". I'm aware that it's likely an index fund would probably still do better over time, but there is an appeal to me that maybe I could beat the market and if not it would still be fun trying.

Am I correct that assuming in the long run, the only difference between going long stocks/ETFs through this app vs just buy+holding an index fund would be:

-Cash sitting around not in an investment

-$7 commission on each order

[tyrust]

>the only difference between...

If you are not buying and selling the same assets at the same weightings as an index fund, then it is different from that index fund.

>Cash sitting around not in an investment

How is this a difference between investing one way and investing another way?

[maerF0x0]

Could go for value based things, if P/E of S&P 500 is below 10 buy $1000 of ${ETF}

[alva]

If you can come up with a systematic strategy in a one-liner, that gives you consistent, good risk-adjusted returns, let me know as I quite fancy being a billionaire.

Saying that, "Buy Low, Sell High" isn't a bad strategy ;)

[unclebucknasty]

Yeah, can't quite shake the feeling that if it was really that good, you'd just use it vs. (eventually) sell it.

[maerF0x0]

agreed. The hard part is not buying bad companies that have low P/E because their chances are slim to none.

[rachelita]

We have P/E ratio triggers available!