VectorVest
Overview
VectorVest is a stock analysis and timing system that's been operating since the early 1990s, making it one of the longest-running systematic equity platforms in our rankings. The system rates every stock with a proprietary composite score combining value, safety, and timing metrics, and provides market-level timing signals (buy, sell, hold) that guide overall portfolio exposure. At $69-99/month, it targets systematic investors who want a quantitative framework for both stock selection and market timing.
How It Works
VectorVest assigns three proprietary ratings to every stock: Value (based on earnings, growth rate, and interest rates), Safety (based on financial strength and earnings stability), and Timing (based on price trend and momentum). These combine into a VST (Value, Safety, Timing) composite that provides a single-number assessment.
The market timing system generates a primary signal — buy, sell, or hold — based on the aggregate condition of the stock market. This top-down timing overlay is designed to keep subscribers invested during bull markets and defensive during corrections. It's one of the few services that provides both individual stock selection and market-level timing in a single system.
The stock screener filters the entire market by VectorVest ratings, allowing subscribers to find stocks meeting specific criteria. Pre-built screens target different investment styles (growth, value, income). The system publishes recommended portfolios that demonstrate the methodology applied.
The long operating history (30+ years) means the methodology has been tested across multiple market cycles — bull markets, bear markets, crashes, and recoveries.
Performance Analysis
VectorVest publishes system performance results showing the methodology's historical returns, including the market timing signals. The published results suggest the timing system has successfully avoided or reduced exposure during major market declines (2000-2002, 2008-2009, 2020 crash).
However, these are self-published results based on the systematic application of the signals — not independently audited or tracked by a third party. Subscribers' actual results depend on how closely they follow the system, their execution timing, and their position management.
The 30+ year operating history is meaningful context. Like Gorilla Trades and DDMarkets, long operational continuity suggests the methodology provides enough value to sustain a subscriber base over decades — a form of market validation, even if it's not the same as performance auditing.
Subscriber feedback values the market timing signal more than the individual stock ratings. The ability to be told "the market is in correction, go to cash" has saved many subscribers from significant drawdowns during bear markets.
Strengths
- 30+ year operating history across multiple market cycles — one of the longest-running systematic equity platforms
- Market timing signals (buy/sell/hold) provide top-down portfolio guidance that most stock-picking services lack
- VST composite rating provides a single-number assessment for every stock combining value, safety, and timing
- Pre-built screeners for different investment styles (growth, value, income) suit various subscriber needs
- Timing system has historically signalled defensive posture before major market declines
- Comprehensive stock database with proprietary ratings for the entire market, not just a watchlist
Weaknesses
- Self-published performance results without independent auditing — 30 years of data but self-managed
- Signal clarity score is moderate — the system provides ratings and timing, not specific entry/stop/target alerts
- $69-99/month requires active daily engagement to justify — poor value for occasional users
- Equities-only with no coverage of options, forex, futures, or crypto
- Risk management beyond market timing is limited — no individual stock stop losses or position sizing framework
- Interface and methodology reflect the system's age — functional but not modern in presentation
Pricing & Value
At $69-99/month (depending on data coverage — US, European, or global markets), VectorVest is mid-range for a comprehensive equity analysis platform. IBD Leaderboard charges $70/month for CAN SLIM selections. Zacks Premium charges $249/year for quantitative ratings.
The value depends on how heavily you use the system. Active users who check VectorVest daily and apply the market timing signals get substantial value. Occasional users paying $99/month for weekly glances get poor return on investment.
The market timing component alone — a clear buy/sell/hold signal for the broad market — is arguably worth a portion of the subscription for long-term investors who struggle with emotional timing decisions.
How It Compares
Against IBD Leaderboard (#36), VectorVest provides a more comprehensive analytical system (value + safety + timing for every stock) while IBD focuses specifically on growth stock selection via CAN SLIM. Both provide market timing signals. VectorVest is more systematic; IBD is more growth-focused.
Against Zacks Premium (#48), VectorVest adds market timing that Zacks lacks. Zacks provides deeper quantitative factor analysis; VectorVest provides a more actionable all-in-one system. Similar pricing, different analytical philosophies.
The honest positioning: VectorVest is one of the oldest and most comprehensive systematic equity platforms available. The 30-year history provides credibility. The self-published performance provides context but not proof.
Who Is This For?
Systematic equity investors who want a comprehensive stock rating and market timing platform with decades of methodology refinement. Best for daily-active investors who will use the ratings and timing signals as their primary investment framework.
Not ideal for traders wanting specific trade alerts, casual investors who won't engage daily, options or forex traders, or anyone requiring independently audited performance verification.
Our Verdict
VectorVest earns #53 for three decades of continuous systematic equity analysis, with the market timing component being its most valuable feature. The ability to rate every stock on value, safety, and timing while also providing market-level exposure guidance is a unique combination.
The ranking reflects the self-published nature of the performance evidence. Thirty years of methodology documentation is impressive, but without independent auditing, subscribers must take the published results on partial faith. The stock rating system provides useful input; the market timing signal provides genuinely valuable portfolio guidance.
For systematic investors who want a time-tested framework for equity selection and market timing, VectorVest has earned its longevity. For verified active trading signals, the providers ranked above offer more directly actionable value.