DataMiningGraphics
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FAQs
Q1: Are printed versions available?
Q2: Will non-Windows environments be supported?
Q3: The files are large. Is there some other way to download them?
Q4: Why don't you offer a demonstration copy of the complete Excel version?
Q5: I'd like to apply my own metric weightings rather than use the ones that DataMiningGraphics supplies. How do I do that?
Q6: Why is my mutual fund not included?
Q7: I'd like to formulate my own metric rather than use the ones that DataMiningGraphics supplies. How do I do that?
Q8: Why does DataMiningGraphics not treat equity and bond funds differently?
Q9: Why aren't there more types of equity funds? Why treat them all the same?
Q10: I'm partially / completely colorblind. Can your product be modified so that I can get all of the benefits of those who have full color vision?
Q11: ?
A1 Currently, there are no plans to provide the product in hard copy. Most of the value of the product lies in the ability to sort and do weighted screenings. With over 3000 funds covered and a multi-color requirement, the expense for a monthly report would be prohibitive
A2 There are no current plans to support Macs. We are considering whether to support OpenOffice.org
A3 The files have been compressed as much as is possible. The product is available at cost (material and postage only) on CDs. We believe that this represents a valuable alternative to those who cannot or wish not to downloading the files.
A4 Making available a demonstration version of the Complete product is under consideration.
A5 Only the Adobe pdf versions do not allow changing of the weightings. You need to purchase the base version to do this.
A6 For a mutual fund to be included in the database, it had have been open to public trading since 1997, to have more than xxx shareowners, and to have a capitalization of $xxx. Additionally, since we do not take into consideration the effect of loads, only one share class of any fund is included. For example, American Funds' Fundamental Investor comes in 5 share classes, but only class A is included. All expenses that effect the NAV of the fund, such as management expenses, are included in all analyses.
A7 There are two methods of incorporating your own metrics. If you are familiar with writing macros for Excel, you can simply add it as a subroutine in the main macro file. Documentation to do so is included with the product. You must own the complete version to do this. The second way would be to go to our Contact page and send us an email.
A8 DataMiningGraphics believes that the first step is to analyze all of the data in order to generate the same "yardsticks", prior to segregation into different groups or subclasses. We believe that this removes one level of complexity in the analysis.
A9 We let other services provide this kind of subclassification. Some services, like Valueline, use a minimalist approach that we favor. Others, like Morningstar, use what we consider to be a plethora of subclassification for the purpose of ratings or rankings. This is not to say, however, that subclassification is not of value in any evaluation process for the purposes of acquiring mutual funds.
A10 Sure can! Just send your email address to our custom solutions mailbox and we'll send you a color and gray-scale palette. Decide which colors you'd like to represent the various score bands, and we'll make a custom version of the product you currently own or you would like a free download of.
A11
DataMiningGraphics provides data and analysis on a "as is" basis. Analysis of historical data does not imply that future results will be similar, as market conditions can and will change in unanticipated ways. None of the analysis or statements made by DataMiningGraphics should be construed as financial advice for the sale or purchase of mutual funds; therefore, any investment decisions that are made or investment strategies that are utilized by any user of the products offered by DataMiningGraphics are done so at the sole discretion and risk of the user.