Are AIM and X_DEV similar?
Probably best debated in forum where the spoken word can be heard, with all the passion and subtlety inherent in public speaking. However, since this is the 2000's and internet message boards are "where it's at" so to speak, I'll give it a shot, even though I'm not sure the question is very important anymore.
In my view AIM and X_DEV are very similar in some respects and not in others. I think the algorithms used in both are incredibly similar, though it's fairly obvious that when dealing with math the smallest numbers can change things in a big way.
Aim generates a buy if A) the stock value deviates far enough below the beginning stock value (because of a price drop) and then B) the difference between the beginning stock value and the current stock value is larger than the SAFE amount, which is a percentage of the beginning stock value. That difference is then used to buy shares.
X_DEV generates a buy if A) the price deviates far enough below a moving average price and then B) the amount of the deviation is multiplied by the portfolio value to calculate the amount to buy.
In most cases AIM signals and X_DEV signals are the same (and I have the spreadsheets to prove it). The only difference is the way the buys and sells are "sized" as Aptus would put it.
AIM is very conservative in the way it sizes trades. X_DEV is generally more aggressive than AIM in sizing but X_DEV "sizes" are flexible and can be adjusted to fit the users risk tolerance. AIM BTB can not alter it's sizes and assumes "one size fits all". If there was only one class of investor, than AIM would either be great or worthless for all of them. Since there is a certain segment of the investor demographic that "fits" for AIM then AIM is great for them. AIM is a very good conservative strategy for the very long term patient investor. The various AIM derivatives are essentially attempts to fit all the other kinds of investor profiles. I feel the AIM derivatives are like people.........not better or worse, just different. Different strokes for different folks. There efficacy is dependent on the user sticking to the rules of the system.
Are AIM and X_DEV trading tools or mechanical systems?
AIM BTB can be called a mechanical system, but as soon as you alter it, doesn't it become a trading tool? The premise of X_DEV is "capturing short term trading opportunities for long term performance". If I X_DEV the same stock for 1, 5, 10, 25 years can you label X_DEV as a "mechanical system" or a "trading tool"? And does the label even matter anyway? Perhaps to some and to others it won't. Such is the way of things.
Hopefully AIM'ers and X_DEV'ers both will prosper in the New Year!
Best wishes to all,
~Myst~
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