The Rules Don't Change. That's the Whole Point.
AIM applies a predefined rule set — built over 1,500+ hours of development and unchanged since 2004 — to evaluate market data and generate exposure guidance. No predictions. No overrides. Just the framework, doing what it was designed to do.
Built Through Testing, Refined Through Failure
If you don't fail a thousand times, you didn't learn anything. The AIM methodology is built on four foundational elements — each one earned through years of rigorous testing and data work.
Established Decision Rules
The framework operates on predefined criteria — no gut feelings, no last-minute calls. These rules were established through years of testing and applied without modification.
Defined Evaluation Process
Market data is assessed through a structured methodology. Dave's definition of a down day isn't necessarily somebody else's — and that's part of what makes this work.
Consistent Application
The rule set is applied uniformly across all evaluation periods. Same rules, same process, same discipline — whether the market is up, down, or sideways.
Non-Discretionary Implementation
No subjective judgment enters the process. The framework operates exactly as designed. We don't change the recipe when the kitchen gets hot.
How the Framework Operates
Think of it like a very good roller coaster. It has its ups and downs — they can be steep — but there's no 600-foot drop. If you're patient, you'll get to the end, and everybody will be happy. The framework follows a defined sequence that stays consistent across every market environment.
Data Evaluation
Market data is assessed according to the framework's predefined criteria — using definitions that aren't necessarily what somebody else would think of.
Rule Application
Established decision rules are applied to the evaluated data without modification. No overrides, no exceptions.
Exposure Guidance
The framework generates structured exposure guidance based on the rule set output — doing something completely different from what the broader market is doing.
Consistent Implementation
Guidance is implemented systematically, maintaining the non-discretionary approach that has defined this methodology since 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about rules-based investment strategies, tactical frameworks, and the AIM methodology.
A rules-based investment strategy applies predefined criteria within a structured framework to guide portfolio decisions. Rather than relying on subjective analysis or market predictions, the strategy follows established rules consistently. Think of it as tilting the odds in your favor — systematically, every time.
A tactical investment framework is a structured methodology designed to guide portfolio exposure decisions. It provides a systematic approach to evaluating market conditions and determining appropriate exposure levels — filling the gap that buy-and-hold alone leaves open.
Most investors think diversification means owning large-cap stocks, small-cap stocks, maybe a real estate fund or gold. But when the market goes down, all of that tends to go down together. AIM provides diversification of strategy, not just assets. Since inception, AIM's correlation coefficient is 0.18 to the S&P 500 Total Return Index and 0.28 to the NASDAQ 100 Index — and in down markets, it goes negative.
No. AIM operates according to predefined rules and does not rely on discretionary overrides. Every exposure decision follows the established methodology without subjective modification. The main strategy has been unchanged since January 24, 2004.
RIAs, portfolio managers, family offices, and individual investors seeking structured methodologies may review such frameworks. Suitability depends on individual objectives, constraints, and risk parameters. We're not for everyone — and that's by design.
Low Correlation — By Design
A correlation coefficient measures how closely two investments move together. A value of 1.0 means they move in lockstep. A value near 0 means they behave independently. AIM was built to provide exposure that doesn't follow the crowd.
S&P 500 Total Return Index
0.18
Correlation coefficient since inception. For context, most diversified equity funds correlate at 0.85+ to the S&P 500.
NASDAQ 100 Index
0.28
Correlation coefficient since inception. In down markets, this correlation turns negative — doing what the rest of the portfolio can't.
Correlation coefficients are moving metrics and subject to change. Past correlation is not indicative of future results. Data reflects performance since strategy inception.
See the Full Framework for Yourself
Request the AIM Strategy Overview for a comprehensive look at the rules-based methodology. If you appreciate the work behind it, we should talk.