EZTracker ETF FAQ

• ETF

  • What makes EZTracker different?

    EZTracker takes advantage of upward trends and eliminates the poor performers.  We filter through thousands of ETF's to identify about 400 ETFs that meet specific liquidity, cost, and volume criteria.  Then we use one, three, six and 12-month returns to rank all asset classes and their performance.  By periodically upgrading the portfolios, we rotate into the best performing ETF sectors. Our goal is to deliver long-term superior results by seeking out the best performance that reflects current market conditions. 

  • What Are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)?

    • ETFs act like mutual funds but trade like stocks. ETFs track a particular market sector while providing diversified exposure. ETFs can be used to obtain broad market exposure (Total World, Europe, U.S., etc.) as well as specific investment sectors (Technology, Energy, etc). There are ETFs that hold commodities (Oil, Gold, etc.) while others provide exposure to geographic alternatives (Emerging Markets, China, Germany, etc.)
    • • Investors can use ETFs to implement a wide variety of investment strategies. In addition, many ETFs represent market indices and therefore have lower expense ratios than traditional mutual funds making them more cost efficient.

  • Why subscribe to EZTrackerETF?

    EZTracker does the work for you. With hundreds of ETFs mentioned in newspapers, magazines and on television and radio every day, it is almost impossible to filter all that information. We evaluate more than a thousand ETFs, filter through and eliminate ones with poor liquidity, low assets under management, high expenses, and come up with over 400 ETFs.  We rank their performance for possible inclusion into one of the ETF 3 model portfolios.

  • What is the EZTrackerETF methodology?

    Our methodology is guided by professional judgement and performance. Using one, three, six and 12-month data, EZTracker identifies the best performing alternatives for the model portfolios. EZTracker identifies changes to the model portfolios and moves out of funds when they fall in our rankings and into the best performers every month.

    EZTrackerETF isn’t influenced by corporate publicity, a prognosticator's crystal ball or emotions. We judge performance on one thing--results.

  • How much risk is associated with the EZTrackerETF Model Portfolios?

    The risk associated with the ETF Portfolios is above market average. EZTrackerETF is for sophisticated investors who understand the inherent risks and the potential for significant losses of principal. Investors who want to follow one of these portfolios should have a minimum of $25,000 - $30,000 to invest. 

    The EZTrackerETF Aggressive model portfolio carries a high level of risk (95% equity/5% bond); the EZTrackerETF Moderate model portfolios take a moderate investing approach and typically target a 70% equity/30% bond allocation; the EZTrackerETF Conservative model portfolio targets a 40% equity/60% bond allocation.  Depending on extreme market conditions, the portfolios may overweight bonds or cash for short periods of time.  

  • Is long-term investing the best strategy?

    Long-term investing is the best way to beat the market. However, investors don’t need to hold ETFs for years to be considered long-term. Long-term adherence to an investing strategy is much more important. We practice a disciplined monthly upgrading approach and reevaluate all holdings on a regular basis. Holdings that continue to meet the criteria of EZTrackerETF are kept in the portfolios. Those that do not are replaced.

  • Must I upgrade every month? Isn’t this constant upgrading risky?

    We sell ETFs quickly if they no longer meet our criteria. It is a principle that economists refer to as “opportunity cost.” For instance, if we choose to hold a particular ETF in a model portfolio, we give up the opportunity to hold a different one instead. So, even if an ETF in our portfolio has returned 10%, we could still be losing money if an alternative returned 20% over the same period.

    By cutting our losses quickly on ETFs with deteriorating fundamentals (and changes in market direction) and replacing them with ETFs that more closely meet the tests of our models, we increase our return over the buy and hold strategy.  EZTrackerETF strategies involve numerous and frequent trades. 

  • I have big losses in my portfolio. Can you get my portfolio back to the 'plus' column?

    The EZTrackerETF strategy is not a quick fix. It is not a “get rich quick" scheme. We follow financial trends. We do not predict the financial future but are in touch with current financial trends in each portfolio by re-screening our ETFs regularly. Following a model portfolio requires you to upgrade periodically to take advantage of the current trends and to get out of underperforming positions as soon as possible.

  • How should I use your newsletter?

    EZTracker's model portfolios identify the top performing ETFs and the most advantageous market cycles. By upgrading each month to the best performing alternatives and following market trends, you significantly increase the likelihood of superior performance. Unlike buy and hold approaches, our portfolios respond to changing market conditions. By upgrading monthly to new market leaders, you can participate in a broad range of opportunities as they develop.

  • Do you take tax consequences into consideration in your model portfolios?

    No. Our goal is to maximize your returns. Consult with your tax advisor about your individual situation.

  • Should I use stop-loss orders in my portfolios?

    Stop-loss orders allow investors to minimize losses. You might find them helpful in managing your portfolio. Our ETF model portfolios do not use stop-losses. This is a personal decision of the investor.

  • Who is EZTracker? (Bios)

    EZTracker began publishing in 2002 for employees of American Airlines. Since that time, Alaska, Amazon, Atlas Air, Air Wisconsin, Delta, Envoy, FedEx, Frontier, General Motors, JetBlue, NetJets, Qualcomm, Republic, SkyWest, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, United , UPS, TSP, and Starbucks were added. In 2004 EZTrackerETF was added in response to subscriber requests for help with investments beyond their 401ks.

    Joe Naidrich joined EZTracker as a Partner after 20 years of Institutional Equities Sales Trader experience at various brokerage firms including Sherwood Securities (VP), RBC Capital Markets (Senior VP), and EvercoreISI (Managing Director). Joe graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and throughout his career has been focused on managing portfolio risk and allocation ideas for hedge funds and institutions. He is licensed securities dealer with Series 62, 63 and 55 licenses.

    Roger Chang joined EZTracker as a Partner with over 25 years of experience in fixed income securities markets and risk management consulting.  Upon his graduation from the School of Engineering at Columbia University, Roger began his career at Price Waterhouse where he advised clients on financial risk management.  This experience helped him move to a securities company, Salomon Brothers (which merged with Travellers to become Salomon Smith Barney, and ultimately merged with Citigroup) where he spent 15 years as Managing Director in interest rate sales.  Roger then joined Barclays as a Managing Director, where he continued to advise institutional clients: banks, pensions, insurance companies, and asset managers on asset/liability management, hedging, and structured solutions.  He is a licensed securities dealer with Series 3, 7, 24 and 63 licenses.

  • Can I get a sample copy of your newsletter?

    EZTracker ETF Newsletter Sample

  • How do I contact EZTracker?

    E-Mail: contact@eztracker401k.com 
    Mail: P.O. Box 455, Tenafly, NJ 07670-0455. 
    Text or Phone: Subscription help and general questions: 201-503-6445  or 201-503-6571.