VectorVest Review: Is This Stock Analysis Software Worth $695+?

The S&P 500 has delivered two consecutive years of 25%+ returns, and you’re researching stock analysis software instead of just riding the index. That tells me something: you’ve either been burned by holding through a crash, or you suspect the next one is coming and want a system to tell you when to get out.

VectorVest promises exactly that—a mathematical system that’s allegedly called every major market top and bottom for 30+ years. The company claims 2000%+ outperformance versus the S&P 500 and 15% average annual returns. Those are extraordinary claims. This review is about whether the evidence supports them.

Quick Verdict: Is VectorVest Worth It?

VectorVest is worth considering for active investors who want a systematic, data-driven approach to stock analysis and market timing—but the bold performance claims require healthy skepticism.

At $695-$1,495 per year, this is premium-priced software, not a simple newsletter. You’re paying for a complete analytical system that rates 18,000+ stocks daily using proprietary Value-Safety-Timing (VST) metrics. The methodology is sound, the company has operated for 30+ years, and the market timing framework is intellectually coherent.

The catch: VectorVest’s performance claims are self-reported, not independently verified. The software requires active daily engagement—this isn’t “set and forget.” And cheaper alternatives exist for investors who just want stock picks without the analytical toolkit.

Best for: Systematic investors who want to make data-driven decisions, active traders who believe market timing matters, and those willing to learn and use analytical software daily.

Skip it if: You want simple stock picks without software, prefer buy-and-hold without market timing, or can’t justify $695+ annually.

The Track Record: What VectorVest Claims

VectorVest makes bold performance claims that deserve scrutiny.

The company states it has “outperformed the S&P 500 by over 2000% for 20+ years” and achieved a “15% average annual return for over two decades.” To put that in perspective: if you invested $10,000 in 2000 and earned 15% annually for 24 years, you’d have roughly $285,000. The same $10,000 in an S&P 500 index fund would be worth approximately $60,000.

That’s a massive difference—if the claims are accurate.

VectorVest highlights specific market timing calls:

The reality check: These are company-stated claims. VectorVest says users can “verify every call we’ve made directly in our platform” through backtesting features—but that’s still self-reported verification. There’s no independent third-party audit of these results.

This doesn’t mean the claims are false. It means you should treat them with the same skepticism you’d apply to any unaudited performance data. The company has operated for 30+ years and served over 1 million investors—that longevity suggests something is working. But “trust, then verify” applies here.

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What You Get with VectorVest

VectorVest 7 is analytical software, not a newsletter. Here’s what’s included:

Daily Stock Ratings

The core product analyzes 18,000+ stocks and ETFs daily across four markets (US, Canada, Australia, Europe). Every stock receives a clear buy, sell, or hold rating based on the proprietary VST system:

• Value (RV): Long-term appreciation potential compared to AAA corporate bonds
• Safety (RS): Stock stability and predictability
• Timing (RT): Short-term price momentum

Ratings above 1.00 indicate above-average potential in each category. The system combines fundamental analysis (earnings, growth, profitability) with technical factors (price momentum, trend strength).

Market Timing Signals

This is VectorVest’s signature feature. The platform provides daily and long-term momentum indicators designed to signal when to be in or out of the market. The company’s philosophy: being out during major crashes matters more than picking individual winners.

Screeners and Watchlists

Pre-built and customizable screeners let you filter the 18,000+ stock universe by VST ratings, sectors, and technical criteria. Watchlists track your positions and alert you to rating changes.

Trading Plans

Time-tested investment strategies with specific entry and exit guidance. These aren’t vague philosophies—they’re systematic approaches you can backtest and follow.

Additional Tools

• TradeNow Integration: Trade directly from VectorVest through partner brokers
• Charting Tools: Industry-grade technical analysis
• Daily Stock Picks: Expert-selected stocks showcased daily
• Educational Resources: Quick start course, webinars, tutorials, live coaching
• U.S.-Based Phone Support: Unlimited support from North Carolina-based experts
• One-to-One Coaching Session: Complimentary session with VectorVest experts

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How VectorVest’s Methodology Works

VectorVest was created by Dr. Bart DiLiddo, a mathematician with a PhD from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management. The system reflects his academic background—it’s built on mathematical models, not gut feelings.

The VST Framework

The Value-Safety-Timing system attempts to answer three questions:

Is this stock undervalued? The Value rating compares a stock’s earnings potential against interest rates and inflation. The underlying principle: “price moves towards value over time.” Undervalued stocks tend to rise; overvalued stocks tend to fall.

Is this stock stable? The Safety rating measures volatility and predictability. Some investors prioritize safety over maximum returns—this rating helps them filter accordingly.

Is the timing right? The Timing rating evaluates short-term price momentum. A stock might be undervalued and safe, but if it’s in a downtrend, the timing might be wrong.

Why This Approach Matters

Most investors make decisions emotionally. They buy after stocks have already run up (FOMO) and sell after crashes have already happened (panic). VectorVest’s mathematical approach attempts to remove emotion from the equation.

The market timing signals are particularly relevant in volatile market environments. With economic uncertainty around interest rate policy, inflation concerns, and shifting employment trends, some investors question whether market highs can be sustained. A systematic approach to identifying market tops provides a framework for decision-making—removing the emotional guesswork that leads most investors to sell at bottoms rather than tops.

Pricing and Value: Is VectorVest Worth the Cost?

VectorVest is expensive compared to stock-picking newsletters, but it’s a different product category.

Pricing Tiers

What Separates the Plans

Basic ($695/year): End-of-day data updates, full stock analysis, screeners, market timing signals, trading plans, education, and support. This covers most investors’ needs.

Enhanced ($995/year): Adds 15-minute delayed data for US and Canadian markets, plus advanced trading stop features. Useful for more active traders.

Premium ($1,495/year): Real-time US data, trading plan automation (AutoTimer), coaching group access, and advanced technical tools (ProTrader, WatchDog). For serious active traders.

The Value Math

At $695/year (Basic), you’re paying $58/month for a complete analytical system. Compare this to:

• Morningstar Investor: $249/year for research tools (no market timing). See our Morningstar Investor review for details.
• Stock Advisor: $199/year for stock picks (no software). Read our Stock Advisor review for the full breakdown.
• TradingView: $179/year for charting (no stock ratings). Check our TradingView review for analysis.

VectorVest costs 3-7x more than these alternatives. The question is whether the market timing signals and VST ratings justify the premium.

Breakeven calculation: If VectorVest helps you avoid one 20% drawdown on a $50,000 portfolio, that’s $10,000 saved—paying for the software for 14+ years. If the market timing signals work as claimed, the math is compelling. If they don’t, you’ve overpaid for analytical tools available cheaper elsewhere.

The $0.99 Trial

VectorVest offers a 30-day trial for $0.99 on any plan. This is the right way to evaluate the software—use it daily for a month, test the ratings, and see if the approach resonates with your investing style.

The trial converts to full pricing automatically, so set a calendar reminder to cancel if it’s not for you.

Try VectorVest for $0.99 — 30-Day Trial

The Trade-Offs: Pros and Cons

What VectorVest Does Well

• Systematic approach: Removes emotional decision-making with mathematical ratings
• Comprehensive coverage: 18,000+ stocks analyzed daily across four markets
• Market timing focus: The sell signals are the differentiator—most services only tell you what to buy
• 30+ years of operation: Longevity suggests the methodology has merit
• Strong support: U.S.-based phone support and complimentary coaching session
• Low-risk trial: $0.99 for 30 days lets you evaluate before committing

Where VectorVest Falls Short

• Unverified performance claims: 2000%+ outperformance is self-reported, not independently audited
• Premium pricing: $695-$1,495/year is expensive for individual investors
• Requires active engagement: This is software you need to use daily, not passive picks
• Learning curve: The VST system and platform features take time to master
• Data limitations by tier: Real-time data only on Premium plan; Basic is end-of-day only
• Upsell ecosystem: Additional courses, tools, and coaching carry extra costs ($49-$495+)

Who VectorVest Is For (and Who It’s Not For)

VectorVest Is For You If:

• You want a systematic approach: You’re tired of making emotional decisions and want mathematical frameworks
• You believe market timing matters: You’d rather be out during crashes than ride them through
• You’ll use software daily: VectorVest requires active engagement, not passive following
• You have a meaningful portfolio: The $695+ annual cost makes more sense for portfolios above $50,000
• You value sell signals: Most services tell you what to buy; VectorVest emphasizes when to sell

VectorVest Is NOT For You If:

• You want simple stock picks: Try Stock Advisor ($99/year) or Alpha Picks ($449/year) instead
• You’re a buy-and-hold investor: VectorVest’s value is in market timing—if you don’t time, you’re paying for features you won’t use
• You have a small portfolio: $695/year on a $10,000 portfolio is a 7% hurdle rate before you make any money
• You want independently verified returns: VectorVest’s performance claims are self-reported
• You prefer passive investing: Just buy an S&P 500 index fund and skip the complexity

Best Alternatives to VectorVest

If VectorVest isn’t the right fit, consider these alternatives:

For Stock Picks Without Software

Stock Advisor delivers two stock picks monthly for $199/year. No software to learn, no market timing—just long-term growth recommendations. Best for buy-and-hold investors who want expert picks without complexity. See our Stock Advisor review for the full analysis.

For Research Tools at Lower Cost

Morningstar Investor provides fair value estimates, analyst ratings, and portfolio tools for $249/year. Similar analytical depth to VectorVest but without the market timing signals. Best for self-directed analysts who want valuation data. Read our Morningstar Investor review for details.

For Technical Analysis

TradingView offers professional-grade charting for $179/year. Superior charting capabilities but no fundamental analysis or stock ratings. Best for technical traders who build their own systems. Check our TradingView review for the full breakdown.

For Quantitative Ratings

Zacks Premium provides earnings-focused ratings for $249/year. Different methodology (earnings estimate revisions) but similar concept of systematic stock ranking. Best for investors who follow earnings momentum. Explore our Zacks Premium review for analysis.

Final Verdict: Should You Subscribe to VectorVest?

VectorVest is a serious analytical tool with a coherent methodology and 30+ years of operation. The VST rating system provides a structured framework for stock analysis, and the market timing signals address a genuine need—knowing when to get out.

The case for VectorVest: If you’re an active investor who believes market timing matters, wants to remove emotional decision-making, and will actually use the software daily, VectorVest provides a comprehensive toolkit. The $0.99 trial makes evaluation low-risk.

The case against VectorVest: The performance claims are extraordinary and unverified. The pricing is premium. Cheaper alternatives exist for investors who just want stock picks or research tools without the market timing focus.

My recommendation: Start with the $0.99 trial. Use VectorVest daily for 30 days. Test the ratings against your own analysis. See if the market timing signals align with your investing philosophy. If the systematic approach resonates and you have a portfolio large enough to justify the cost, VectorVest could become a valuable part of your investing toolkit.

For a broader comparison of analysis platforms, explore our guide to the best stock market analysis websites.

If you’re looking for simpler stock picks without software, Stock Advisor at $199/year is the better starting point. If you want research tools without market timing, Morningstar Investor at $249/year delivers more value per dollar.

VectorVest isn’t for everyone. But for the right investor—systematic, active, and willing to engage with the software—it offers something most services don’t: a framework for knowing when to sell.

Start Your VectorVest Trial — $0.99 for 30 Days

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VectorVest worth the money?

VectorVest is worth it for active investors who want systematic stock analysis and market timing signals. At $695-$1,495/year, it’s premium-priced but provides a complete analytical toolkit covering 18,000+ stocks daily. The value depends on whether you’ll actually use the software daily and whether the market timing signals help you avoid drawdowns. For buy-and-hold investors or those with small portfolios, cheaper alternatives like Stock Advisor ($99/year) deliver better value.

What are the best alternatives to VectorVest?

The best alternatives depend on what you’re looking for. For stock picks without software: Stock Advisor ($99/year) provides two monthly recommendations. For research tools: Morningstar Investor ($249/year) offers fair value estimates and analyst ratings. For charting: TradingView ($179/year) provides professional-grade technical analysis. For quantitative ratings: Zacks Premium ($249/year) focuses on earnings estimate revisions.

VectorVest vs. Stock Advisor: Which is better?

VectorVest and Stock Advisor serve different purposes. VectorVest ($695-$1,495/year) is analytical software with market timing signals—you analyze stocks yourself using their ratings. Stock Advisor ($199/year) is a newsletter that delivers two stock picks monthly—you follow their recommendations. Choose VectorVest if you want to make your own decisions using systematic data. Choose Stock Advisor if you want expert picks without learning software. See our Stock Advisor review for the full comparison.

How do I cancel VectorVest?

Cancel VectorVest through the online customer portal or by calling their U.S.-based support team before your next billing date. If you cancel within the 30-day trial period, you receive a full refund of the $0.99 trial fee. After the trial converts to a paid subscription, cancellation stops future billing but no refunds are given for the current subscription period. Monthly and annual subscriptions remain active until the end of the paid period.

Does VectorVest actually work?

VectorVest’s methodology—the VST rating system—is based on sound investment principles combining fundamental and technical analysis. The company claims 15% average annual returns and successful market timing calls over 30+ years. However, these performance claims are self-reported, not independently verified. The $0.99 trial lets you test the software for 30 days to evaluate whether the ratings and signals align with your own analysis before committing to the full subscription price.

Is VectorVest good for beginners?

VectorVest is designed for “both novice and seasoned investors,” but there’s a learning curve. The VST rating system, screeners, and market timing signals require time to understand. The company provides a quick start course, tutorials, webinars, and a complimentary one-to-one coaching session to help new users. Beginners who want simpler solutions might prefer Stock Advisor, which delivers straightforward stock picks without requiring software mastery.

What is the VectorVest VST rating system?

The VST rating system is VectorVest’s proprietary stock analysis framework that combines three metrics: Value (RV), Safety (RS), and Timing (RT). Value measures a stock’s long-term appreciation potential by comparing earnings to AAA corporate bond rates and inflation. Safety evaluates stock stability and price predictability over time. Timing assesses short-term price momentum and trend direction. Each metric receives a score where 1.00 represents average—scores above 1.00 indicate above-average potential, while scores below 1.00 suggest below-average characteristics. VectorVest combines these three ratings into an overall VST score that generates clear buy, sell, or hold recommendations for each of the 18,000+ stocks in their database.

How accurate is VectorVest’s market timing?

VectorVest claims its market timing signals have correctly identified every major market top and bottom since 1988, including the 2000 dot-com peak, the 2007 pre-financial-crisis top, the 2009 bottom, and the February 2020 pre-COVID sell signal. The company states these calls resulted in 2000%+ outperformance versus buy-and-hold strategies over 20+ years. However, these performance claims are self-reported and not independently audited by third parties. The company allows users to backtest signals within their platform, but this still relies on VectorVest’s own historical data. Investors should treat these claims with appropriate skepticism and use the $0.99 trial period to evaluate the signals against current market conditions before committing to a full subscription.

Does VectorVest offer international stock coverage?

VectorVest provides daily analysis across four major markets: the United States (18,000+ stocks), Canada, Australia, and Europe. Each regional database receives daily VST ratings and market timing signals tailored to that specific market. The US database is the most comprehensive, covering stocks listed on NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX exchanges. International coverage requires purchasing region-specific subscriptions—the base US subscription doesn’t automatically include access to Canadian, Australian, or European markets. Investors trading across multiple international markets should factor in additional subscription costs when comparing VectorVest to alternatives that may offer broader global coverage in a single plan.