Questions & Answers (FAQ's)

The following is a list of the more commonly asked questions and answers.

What does it cost?

$79.95 for the complete database. Our old pricing was $199.95 and $99.95 for annual data upgrades. Because we will no longer be updating/upgrading this product we are temporarily offering this version for only $79.95. Be aware that it only includes data through January 1, 2000. See our section Products & Pricing for more information. You can also visit seasonex.com for a more up to date alternative.

How is the data in the software updated? Do I have to purchase data from another source?

Because seasonal trading rules are based on annual patterns, it is not necessary to update the data more than once each year. Even updating the data annually may not have any profound changes on the data as some of the covered contracts extend back 30 years. Data upgrades to this product are no longer available. As a result, you can purchase the product at a sharply reduced rate of $79.95 (formerly $199.95).

How much do the upgrades cost?

Upgrades were formerly $99.95, but we will no longer be upgrading/updating this product. It is available for purchase at a sharply reduced price of $79.95. See our section Products & Pricing for more information. You can also visit seasonex.com for a more up to date alternative.

Do I have to upgrade each year?

Upgrades are no longer available. You can also visit seasonex.com for a more up to date alternative.

When do the upgrades become available?

Upgrades are no longer available. You can also visit seasonex.com for a more up to date alternative.

What years are covered in the current release?

The current release includes data from the early 1970's through the end of 1999.

Do you offer technical support?

Yes. Standard support is available via email at support@seasonex.com. Priority support is available via phone for additional charges. Contact us for more information about priority support.

What type of help or documentation is included?

All help and documentation is built into the software and is shipped on the CD. If you should need additional assistance, you can always contact technical support at support@seasonex.com.

What type of computer and equipment do I need?

In order to use the software your PC-based system must meet the following MINIMUM requirements: a 486 processor or higher, 16 MB RAM, MS Windows 95/98/NT, CDROM, and 200MB of Hard Disk Space.

How do I order and is it safe to order over the Internet?

For your security, we recommend that you use our SECURE order form to place your orders. Phoning us is an option as well. See our section Order Now for more information.

What type of guarantee do you offer?

We offer a 100% replacement guarantee against defective software. However, like most software companies we cannot extend a money back guarantee, due to the reproducible nature of software and data. We ask that you carefully read and consider all of the information about the product and download the trial version of the software to take a FREE test drive. Additionally, should you have any concerns or questions about whether this is the right product for you, email us at support@seasonex.com.

What is a seasonal trading rule/system?

A seasonal trading rule/system is basically a trade that is placed once a year based on a regular recurring annual pattern. You always enter the trade at the same time each year, as well as, exit. Although the strategy is very simple, it is very powerful. The Seasonal Trader's Lab is simply a compilation of all profitable seasonal trading rules which have demonstrated over a minimum of 5 years to have at least 70% winners. Many trader's rely solely on seasonals while others employ other approached in conjunction with a seasonal strategy. For more in depth information on seasonality we recommend the book Seasonality (Jake Bernstein). If you are interested in additional trading strategies you can use in conjunction with the seasonal strategy consider A Complete Guide to the Futures Markets (Jack Schwager) or Trading Systems and Methods (Perry Kaufman).

What is a spread? Are they covered in the database?

A spread is a trade which consist of more than one position (usually two opposite positions) in the same or related commodity. There are generally two types: inter-market and inter-delivery. An inter-market spread would involve two related commodities, like Oats and Corn. If a trader thought oats were overpriced relative to corn, they would short oats and go long corn. An inter-delivery spread would involve the same commodity but two contracts. For example, if a trader though March oats were underpriced relative to December oats, they would go long March oats and short Dec oats. Overall, traders use spreads because the margin requirements are lower, they are generally (not always) safer, and they are watched by fewer traders (which may provide more opportunity, but less liquidity). Both inter-delivery and inter-market spreads are covered extensively in the database. They are amongst many trader's favorites due to there more obscure nature. Seasonals have also been particular strong and more persistent in spreads. For more information we recommend the book Spread Trading (Howard Abell).

What is optimal f and why is it so important?

Many of our users bought the lab based solely on the fact that optimal f was provided. Optimal f is a money management statistic that can take any profitable trading system and maximize it's money making potential. Using optimal f correctly will allow you to reach a wealth target faster than any other method. The Seasonal Trader's Lab will always provide you with optimal f for a trade and will translate it so that you know what percent of your equity you should devote to the trade. If you are devoting to little, you aren't maximizing the trades potential. If you are devoting to much, you are risking far too much money for the potential. For more information on the mechanics of optimal f and how it's calculated we STRONGLY RECOMMEND you purchase a copy of the book Portfolio Management Formulas. For those with a more extensive mathematical background you could also consider The Mathematics of Money Management. Both books are written by Ralph Vince and are probably the best available on money management.

What is a 3 day period and what is it's significance?

We chose the 3 day period as our unit of analysis in the Seasonal Trader's Lab. Each month is broken into 10 roughly 3 day periods. As an example, March 1st through 3rd would be known as 3.0 and March 4th through 6th would be known as 3.1. The 3 day period was chosen as a compromise between the week (which provided to few trading combinations) and the day (which provided lower statistical reliability).

What about stop losses? How do they fit in to the database of trades?

The trades in the database don't assume the use of a stop loss. However, after you find a trade it only takes a few seconds to test many different stop losses in order to 'play what if' and find the optimal stop loss to use. In addition, you can test an actual stop loss amount or a percentage stop loss.

What statistics are provided?

Strategy Entry Period · Strategy Exit Period · Strategy's Profitable Trades & Percent · Strategy's Unprofitable Trades & Percent · Strategy's Total Trades · Strategy's Total Gains · Strategy's Total Losses · Strategy's Total Profits · Average Gain Per Trade · Average Loss Per Trade · Average Profit Per Trade · Largest Losing Trade · Largest Profitable Trade · Average Duration of Trade · Gain To Loss Ratio · Optimal F · Trades Required To 2X/4X Equity. The most popular statistics are percent profitable (or percent winners), the gain to loss ratio, and optimal f.

What futures contracts can I analyze and/or search?

There are thousands of different contracts and spread combinations available. For a complete list see our section Contract List.

How many trading rules are in each data module?

90,000+ currency trading rules, 100,000+ grain trading rules, 35,000+ metal trading rules, 75,000+ stock index trading rules, 275,000+ fuel trading rules, 140,000+ interest rate trading rules, 35,000+ meat trading rules, and over 25,000 other trading rules (this includes coffee, cocoa, and lumber).

Won't other traders be using the same trading systems and rules as me?

Because of the hundreds of thousands of possibilities it is highly unlikely that any two traders will start with the exact same trading rule. In addition, most traders further customize their system by testing various stop loss rules making such a situation highly unlikely.