Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before getting started

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What exactly is the No-Stress-Trading strategy?

It is a momentum strategy applied to the Nasdaq-100. Each month, our algorithm scores every stock in the index by recent performance momentum and selects the top 3–6. You sell stocks that left the list, keep stocks that stayed, and buy the new additions with the proceeds — in equal amounts. Then hold until the next month's signal.

What is momentum investing?

Momentum investing is based on the observation that stocks which have recently outperformed tend to continue outperforming in the near term. It is one of the most researched and replicated effects in financial markets — documented in academic literature since the 1990s. Read our full explainer →

Why the Nasdaq-100 specifically?

The Nasdaq-100 contains the 100 largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq exchange — including Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Amazon, and Tesla. It is a liquid, transparent, globally recognised index with strong exposure to technology and growth companies. Momentum effects are particularly pronounced in this universe.

How does the algorithm select the stocks?

The algorithm applies a momentum scoring model to all Nasdaq-100 constituents. The specific weighting factors are proprietary, but the approach is rules-based, systematic, and applied identically every month without discretion or override.

Do I need to do anything between signals?

No. Once you have acted on the signal on the first of the month, you do nothing until the next signal. This is by design. The discipline of inaction between signal dates is a critical part of why the strategy works.

Are the backtest results real?

The backtest results are simulated — they represent how the strategy would have performed if applied to historical data from 2015–2024. They are not actual trading results. However, they cover a full 10-year period including multiple bear markets, and every year's results are published on our Performance page — including every down year.

Can I verify the live track record independently?

Yes. Our live trading on Wikifolio.de is publicly visible. Every trade, every month, is logged and auditable. You do not need to take our word for anything — you can verify the results directly on the platform. Links are on the Performance page.

Why did the strategy underperform in 2021?

2021 was a low-volatility, broad market melt-up where almost every stock rose together. Momentum strategies underperform in these conditions because there is insufficient differentiation between strong and weak performers. This is a known and expected limitation of the approach — not a failure.

The strategy more than compensated in 2020 (+170%) and protected capital in 2022 (-5.3% vs -33% for the index). Read our full 2021 post →

What happens in a major market crash?

In the 2022 bear market, the Monthly Strategy returned -5.3% while the Nasdaq-100 fell -33.0%. The strategy does not avoid losses entirely — but momentum positioning tends to rotate toward more resilient assets before a sustained downturn. In 2020 (COVID crash and recovery), the Monthly Strategy returned +170.2% vs +47.6% for the index.

What does "61 out of 61 five-year windows positive" mean?

In our 10-year backtest, we analysed every possible rolling 5-year investment window — meaning, starting from every month across the dataset. In every single one of those 61 windows, regardless of when the investor entered, the Monthly Strategy produced a positive return. The worst 5-year outcome was +132.2%. The best was +652.1%.

What broker do I need?

Any broker allowing you to buy US-listed Nasdaq-100 stocks. In Europe: Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, Interactive Brokers, eToro, Flatex, and others. In the US: Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood, and others. We are not affiliated with any broker and receive no referral fees.

Why is $10,000 the recommended minimum?

With 3–6 positions, each new allocation is typically $3,000–$10,000 depending on how many stocks left the list. Below $10,000 total, some stock prices may make equal allocation impractical, and transaction costs become a proportionally larger drag on returns.

When exactly do I receive the signal?

The signal is delivered by email on the first trading day of each month, typically before market open (between 7–9 AM CET). For the Weekly Strategy, signals arrive every Monday before market open.

What if I miss a signal?

If you miss the first day, you can still act on the second or third day of the month. The strategy is robust to small timing differences. If you miss an entire month, simply wait for the next signal and act then.

Can I add money to my portfolio over time?

Yes. When you receive a new signal, include your new funds in the next signal action. Every signal email includes a worked example that can be adapted to any portfolio size.

Can I cancel at any time?

Yes. You can cancel your subscription at any time. If you are on an annual plan, your access continues until the end of the billing period.

Is this strategy suitable for a tax-advantaged account?

Generally yes — the monthly trading generates manageable capital gains, especially in tax-advantaged accounts. However, tax treatment varies by country and individual circumstance. Please consult a tax adviser for your specific situation.

Is this financial advice?

No. No-Stress-Trading provides general market information and educational content. It is not personalised investment advice. You make all trading decisions yourself. This service is not regulated by BaFin, the FCA, or any other financial regulatory body as an investment adviser.

Still have questions?

Email us at hello@no-stress-trading.life — we aim to respond within 48 hours.

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No-Stress-Trading is not a financial adviser and does not provide personalised investment advice. All content is for general informational purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Backtest results (2015–2024) are simulated and do not represent actual trading outcomes. Trading involves significant risk of loss. Only invest capital you can afford to lose.

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