Quick Verdict
MarketSmith (now called MarketSurge) is worth it for active growth investors with $100K+ portfolios who want professional-grade research tools without paying Bloomberg prices. At $1,499/year, you get IBD’s proprietary 1-99 rating system, algorithmic chart pattern recognition, and a database of 18,000+ stocks—the same toolkit Mark Minervini used to win the 2021 US Investing Championship.
The catch: this is a research platform, not a stock-picking service. You’re paying for the tools to find your own winners. If you want someone to tell you what to buy, look elsewhere. If you want to trade like a professional portfolio manager and are willing to put in the work, MarketSurge is the gold standard for individual investors.
What MarketSmith Actually Is (And Why the Name Changed)
Let’s clear up the confusion first: MarketSmith has been rebranded to MarketSurge. Same platform, same company (Investor’s Business Daily), same methodology—just a new name with enhanced features. If you’re searching for “MarketSmith reviews,” you’re looking at the right product.
MarketSurge was created by William O’Neil, the legendary investor who founded IBD and developed the CAN SLIM methodology. His goal was simple: give individual investors access to the same tools professional portfolio managers use.
The platform costs $1,499/year (or $149.95/month). That sounds expensive until you compare it to what professionals pay: Bloomberg Terminal runs $24,000/year. FactSet is $12,000+. MarketSurge delivers institutional-grade research at roughly 6% of Bloomberg’s price.
The Track Record: Who Uses This and What Have They Done?
Since MarketSurge is a research tool rather than a stock-picking service, there’s no portfolio track record to evaluate. The performance depends entirely on how you use the tools.
But here’s what we can verify:
Mark Minervini, author of Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard and multiple-time US Investing Championship winner, uses MarketSurge as his primary screening tool. In his words: “The screening tool I used to win the 2021 US Investing Championship was MarketSurge. With MarketSurge, I’m never going to miss potential big winners.”
Dr. Tom Carr, bestselling author of Trend Trading for a Living, says: “I save hundreds of hours a year on research using IBD’s MarketSurge service. My best newsletter picks come from MarketSurge charts.”
Brian Shannon, CMT and founder of AlphaTrends, calls it his “best resource for a techno-fundamental overview of a stock.”
These aren’t paid endorsements buried in marketing copy—these are professional traders who’ve built careers on stock selection. They’re paying customers who chose this platform over alternatives.
The implicit track record: if the tools were garbage, these professionals would use something else. They have the budgets for Bloomberg. They choose MarketSurge.
Try MarketSurge — 6-Week Trial for $49.95
What You Actually Get for $1,499/Year
The Proprietary Rating System
This is MarketSurge’s moat. IBD’s 1-99 rating system isn’t available anywhere else:
| Rating | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Composite Rating | Overall stock strength combining all factors |
| EPS Rating | Earnings growth vs. all other stocks |
| RS Rating | Relative price strength vs. all other stocks |
| SMR Rating | Sales growth, profit margins, ROE |
| A/D Rating | Institutional accumulation/distribution |
Every stock in the 18,000+ database gets rated on this system. You can screen for stocks with, say, Composite Rating above 90 AND RS Rating above 85—instantly filtering to the top performers.
Algorithmic Pattern Recognition
This is where MarketSurge earns its premium price. The platform uses AI to identify chart patterns—cup-with-handle, flat base, double bottom—and flags them automatically.
You’re not squinting at charts trying to decide if something “looks like” a cup. The algorithm does the pattern matching. You focus on whether the fundamentals support the technical setup.
The Full Feature Set
- 18,000+ stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds with comprehensive data
- Full-screen interactive charts with technical indicators
- Curated stock lists: Recent Breakouts, Top IPOs, Growth 250
- Fully customizable screener with 100+ criteria
- Buying checklists based on O’Neil, Buffett, and other methodologies
- Real-time data (no delayed quotes)
- David Ryan’s Ants Indicator flagging heavy institutional accumulation
- Earnings Line visualization of quarterly trends
- Forward estimates (4 quarters of EPS and sales projections)
Support That’s Actually Useful
Unlike most platforms that leave you to figure things out, MarketSurge includes:
- Free personal coaching via phone and email
- ~100 webinars per year on market analysis and platform usage
- Educational video library
- Welcome kit and quarterly stock guide
This isn’t upsell territory—it’s included in your subscription. The coaching alone can accelerate your learning curve by months.
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How the CAN SLIM Methodology Works
MarketSurge is built on William O’Neil’s CAN SLIM system, which combines fundamental and technical analysis:
C – Current quarterly earnings growth (look for 25%+ YoY) A – Annual earnings growth (look for 25%+ over 3-5 years) N – New products, management, or price highs S – Supply and demand (shares outstanding, volume) L – Leader or laggard (RS Rating 80+) I – Institutional sponsorship (increasing ownership) M – Market direction (trade with the trend)
The platform makes this systematic. Instead of manually checking each criterion, you screen for stocks that pass all seven tests. The proprietary ratings do the heavy lifting.
This isn’t a “buy and hold forever” methodology. CAN SLIM is designed for growth investing with defined entry and exit points. You’re looking for breakout setups in leading stocks during market uptrends.
Pricing Breakdown: Is $1,499 Actually Worth It?
Let’s do the math honestly.
The Raw Numbers
| Option | Price | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 6-week trial | $49.95 | N/A (trial) |
| Monthly | $149.95/month | $149.95 |
| Annual | $1,499/year | $124.92 |
Annual saves you ~$300 versus monthly billing.
The Breakeven Calculation
$1,499/year means you need to generate $1,499 in additional returns (or avoid $1,499 in losses) to break even.
If you have a $100,000 portfolio, that’s 1.5% improvement needed. One better entry point on a $20,000 position—buying at support instead of chasing at resistance—could easily be a 5-10% difference on that trade alone.
If you have a $50,000 portfolio, you need 3% improvement. Still achievable, but the margin for error shrinks.
If you have a $25,000 portfolio, you need 6% improvement just to cover the subscription. At this level, the cost materially impacts your returns. Consider cheaper alternatives first.
The Comparison
| Platform | Annual Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| MarketSurge | $1,499 | Full research suite + proprietary ratings |
| TradingView review | $179 | Charting + basic screening (no proprietary ratings) |
| Stock Rover review | $279 | Screening + research (no pattern recognition) |
| Finviz Elite review | $299 | Screening + heat maps (no IBD ratings) |
| Bloomberg Terminal | $24,000 | Everything (institutional pricing) |
MarketSurge’s proprietary rating system is the differentiator. You can chart anywhere. You can only get IBD’s 1-99 ratings here.
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The Trade-Offs: What’s Good and What’s Not
What Works
- Proprietary ratings unavailable elsewhere — The 1-99 system is genuinely unique and battle-tested
- Pattern recognition saves hours — AI-flagged setups beat manual chart scanning
- All-inclusive pricing — No nickel-and-diming for data feeds or premium features
- Professional credibility — Used by championship traders, not just marketed to beginners
- Comprehensive support — Personal coaching and ~100 webinars/year included
- Multi-device access — Desktop, tablet, mobile all included
What Doesn’t
- High price floor — $1,499/year is steep for smaller portfolios
- Research tool only — No stock picks; you must do the analysis yourself
- Learning curve exists — Professional tools require time to master
- US markets focus — Limited international coverage
- Requires active use — Wasted money if you’re not using it weekly
- No brokerage integration — You’ll need a separate account to trade
Who Should Subscribe (And Who Shouldn’t)
MarketSurge Is Built For:
- Active growth investors who screen for stocks weekly or more
- CAN SLIM practitioners who want the methodology’s native platform
- Self-directed traders who prefer finding their own picks over following recommendations
- Portfolio sizes $100K+ where the subscription cost is <1.5% of assets
- Technical-fundamental hybrids who value both chart patterns and earnings data
MarketSurge Is NOT For:
- Passive indexers — You don’t need screening tools if you’re buying SPY
- Pick-followers — If you want someone to tell you what to buy, try the IBD Leaderboard review instead
- Casual investors — Monthly portfolio checks don’t justify $1,499/year
- Small portfolios (<$50K) — The cost-to-benefit ratio becomes unfavorable
- Dividend investors — The CAN SLIM methodology focuses on growth, not income
If you want stock picks instead of research tools: Consider our IBD Leaderboard review ($699/year) for a model portfolio of 10-15 stocks with complete trading plans, or the IBD SwingTrader review ($699/year) for short-term trade ideas.
Best Alternatives to MarketSurge
If MarketSurge isn’t the right fit, here are your options:
For Budget-Conscious Growth Investors
TradingView Pro+ ($179/year) — Best-in-class charting at a fraction of the price. You lose IBD’s proprietary ratings and pattern recognition, but the charting tools are excellent. See our TradingView review for the full breakdown.
For Fundamental Screeners
Stock Rover Premium+ ($279/year) — Superior fundamental screening with 650+ metrics. Weaker on technicals, stronger on value/dividend analysis. Better fit for Warren Buffett disciples than William O’Neil followers. Check our Stock Rover review for details.
For Stock Picks Instead of Tools
IBD Leaderboard ($699/year) — Same IBD methodology, but they do the analysis and give you 10-15 stock picks with trading plans. Half the price of MarketSurge, but you’re following their picks rather than finding your own. Read our IBD Leaderboard review for the full analysis.
For Value-Focused Research
Morningstar Investor ($249/year) — Different philosophy entirely. Morningstar’s fair value estimates and wide moat ratings serve long-term value investors, not growth traders. See our Morningstar Investor review for the complete breakdown.
Final Verdict: Should You Subscribe?
MarketSurge (formerly MarketSmith) is the professional-grade research platform for serious growth investors. The $1,499/year price tag is justified if you’ll actively use the tools, have a portfolio large enough to absorb the cost, and want to find your own stocks rather than follow picks.
The proprietary 1-99 rating system is genuinely unique. The algorithmic pattern recognition saves hours. The support and education included in the subscription accelerate your learning curve.
But this is a tool, not a shortcut. Mark Minervini won a championship using MarketSurge—but Mark Minervini also put in decades of work mastering stock selection. The platform gives you professional-grade capabilities. What you do with them is up to you.
If you’re an active growth investor with $100K+ to manage and you’re willing to put in the work, MarketSurge is worth the investment. Start with the 6-week trial for $49.95 to see if the workflow fits your style.
For a broader comparison of all analysis tools, explore our guide to the best stock analysis websites.
If you want someone else to do the analysis, skip MarketSurge and explore our IBD Leaderboard review or Stock Advisor review instead. There’s no shame in following picks—it’s just a different approach.
Start Your MarketSurge Trial — $49.95 for 6 Weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MarketSmith worth the money?
Yes, for active growth investors with $100K+ portfolios. At $1,499/year, you need the subscription to generate roughly 1.5% additional returns on a $100K portfolio to break even. The proprietary 1-99 rating system, algorithmic pattern recognition, and comprehensive screening tools provide genuine edge—but only if you use them actively. For smaller portfolios or passive investors, cheaper alternatives like TradingView ($179/year) may be more appropriate.
What are the best alternatives to MarketSmith?
The best alternatives depend on your needs. Our TradingView review ($179/year) offers superior charting at lower cost but lacks IBD’s proprietary ratings. The Stock Rover review ($279/year) excels at fundamental screening for value investors. Our IBD Leaderboard review ($699/year) provides stock picks instead of research tools, using the same IBD methodology. The Morningstar Investor review ($249/year) serves long-term value investors with fair value estimates.
MarketSmith vs TradingView: Which is better?
MarketSurge is better for growth investors who value IBD’s proprietary ratings; TradingView is better for pure chartists on a budget. MarketSurge costs $1,499/year and includes the unique 1-99 rating system, algorithmic pattern recognition, and CAN SLIM methodology integration. Our TradingView review costs $179/year and offers excellent charting with a massive community, but no proprietary fundamental ratings. If you’re a CAN SLIM practitioner, MarketSurge is worth the premium. If you’re primarily technical, TradingView delivers 80% of the charting value at 12% of the price.
How do I cancel MarketSmith (MarketSurge)?
You can cancel MarketSurge anytime through your MyIBD subscription settings online, or by calling the Customer Success Team at 800-831-2525. After the initial 6-week trial ($49.95), the subscription auto-renews at $149.95/month unless cancelled. There’s no specific refund policy stated, so cancel before your renewal date to avoid charges.
What happened to MarketSmith? Is it still available?
MarketSmith has been rebranded to MarketSurge. It’s the same platform from Investor’s Business Daily, built on William O’Neil’s methodology, with enhanced features including the Earnings Line, David Ryan’s Ants Indicator, forward estimates, and optimized intraday volume. If you’re searching for MarketSmith, you’re looking for MarketSurge—same tools, new name.
Is MarketSurge good for beginners?
Yes, but with caveats. IBD says MarketSurge “works for investors of all experience levels” and includes free coaching, ~100 webinars/year, and educational videos to shorten your learning curve. However, the $1,499/year price is steep for beginners with small portfolios. If you’re new to investing with less than $50K, consider starting with our IBD Digital review ($379/year) for basic tools and education, then upgrading to MarketSurge once your portfolio and skills grow.
Does MarketSurge offer a mobile app?
Yes, MarketSurge includes mobile access for iOS and Android devices at no additional cost. The mobile app provides access to the same 18,000+ stock database, proprietary 1-99 ratings, and curated stock lists available on desktop. You can review charts, check RS Ratings, and monitor your watchlists on the go. However, the full screening capabilities and pattern recognition tools work best on desktop or tablet due to screen real estate requirements. Most active traders use mobile for monitoring and alerts while reserving desktop for detailed analysis and screening.
What is the RS Rating in MarketSurge and why does it matter?
The Relative Strength (RS) Rating measures a stock’s price performance versus all other stocks over the trailing 12 months, scored 1-99. An RS Rating of 90 means the stock has outperformed 90% of all stocks in price appreciation. William O’Neil’s research found that winning stocks typically have RS Ratings of 80+ before their major price advances. The RS Rating is one of MarketSurge’s most valuable proprietary metrics because it quantifies momentum objectively—you’re not guessing whether a stock is “strong” or “weak.” CAN SLIM methodology specifically requires stocks to have RS Ratings above 80 before considering them for purchase.
Can I use MarketSurge for day trading or swing trading?
MarketSurge works for swing trading but is not designed for day trading. The platform provides real-time quotes (no 15-minute delay) and intraday charts, making it suitable for swing trades lasting days to weeks. The algorithmic pattern recognition identifies breakout setups that swing traders target. However, MarketSurge lacks Level 2 quotes, time and sales data, and hotkey execution that day traders require. For swing trading with holding periods of 2-8 weeks—the typical CAN SLIM timeframe—MarketSurge excels. Day traders needing sub-minute execution should pair MarketSurge with a dedicated trading platform like TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim or Interactive Brokers’ Trader Workstation.