.l#0 CONTENT of README!.TXT file: MarketMaster(tm) Series 3-10 is copyrighted. Copyright (c) 1990 by R.M.C. You may not decompile, disassemble or reverse engineer any version of MarketMaster(tm), nor modify MarketMaster(tm) itself without prior written consent from R.M.C., or act in any way that impairs the proprietary and intellectual property rights of R.M.C. or its successors and assigns. You are encouraged, however, to actively and widely disseminate and dis- tribute MarketMaster(tm) Series 3-10, and be paid well for doing so (SEE GETPAID!.TXT for details.) The use of the accompanying GETPAID!.EXE program to customize MarketMaster(tm) is expressly permitted and indeed encouraged. The re-archiving of the support programs and files after customization with GETPAID!.EXE is also expressly permitted and allowed for distribution and dissemination purposes. For more details on how you may profit from disseminating and circulating MarketMaster(tm) Series 3-10, we again refer you to the GETPAID!.TXT file. R.M.C. retains the title and ownership of the MarketMaster(tm) Series 3-10 programs and accompanying files but grants you a lease and license to use and distribute said programs and files for trial use by you and others. Registration is requested for post-trial use, but this is the sole obligation of the end user, never the responsibility of the distributor/disseminator of our shareware version, whether customized by GETPAID!.EXE or not and regardless of form of archiving used. As stated before, customization using GETPAID!.EXE for subsequent re-distribution and dissemination is expressly permitted and encouraged. You are free to copy and distribute the original or archived copy of the shareware version (Series 3-10 or S. 3-10) of MarketMaster(tm) for your or others' trial use PROVIDED: IT IS DISTRIBUTED WITH ALL ORIGINAL PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT FILES AND DOCUMENTATION (CUSTOMIZATION USING GETPAID!.EXE IS ALLOWED AND OK); YOU DO NOT CHARGE MORE THAN A NOMINAL FEE OF US$15 FOR EXPENSES AND COST OF HANDLING WHILE DISTRIBUTING THIS SOFTWARE FOR TRIAL USE. YOU MAY, HOWEVER, USE THE GETPAID!.EXE UTILITY TO ENTER YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR COPY OF MARKETMASTER(tm) PRIOR TO RE- DISTRIBUTION OR RE-ARCHIVING FOR RE-DISTRIBUTION. THE LIMITED CUSTOMIZATION ENABLES YOU TO RECEIVE ANY NUMBER OF $15 CHECKS THAT APPRECIATIVE USERS MAY SEND TO YOU FOR INTRODUCING MARKETMASTER(tm) TO THEM. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROFIT FROM CIRCULATING THIS USEFUL SHAREWARE (SERIES 3-10 OR FUTURE SERIES #'S AS EXPRESSLY SO DECLARED FOR UNRESTRICTED CIRCULATION). BY ENTERING YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS AS THE INTRODUCING USER, YOU STAND TO RECEIVE $15 CHECKS DIRECTLY FROM USERS OF YOUR CUSTOMIZED COPY. If you find the program useful, please send a donation ($90) to the publisher. Better yet, register for the full version. In any event, do not forget to send $15 directly to your introducing user to thank him/her for introducing you to the program. The author, manufacturer and publisher retain all rights to the program and support files and can makes changes to them, or withdraw them from public use altogether, at their sole discretion and without notice. WE EXPECT A NEW RELEASE OF THE SHAREWARE VERSION ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 1991. THEREFORE, Series 3-10 and earlier version will be withdrawn from public circulation and use on JULY 1, 1991. MarketMaster(tm) Series 3-10 is distributed as "as is" and for trial use. Trial use does not extend to later or other Series or Versions, nor accessories, unless expressly so declared in writing by the publisher, R.M.C. THE RELEASE OF A LATER VERSION NUMBER IS AUTOMATIC NOTICE THAT ALL PRIOR VERSIONS ARE NO LONGER TO BE CIRCULATED AND ARE WITHDRAWN FROM PUBLIC USE. Your use of MarketMaster(tm) constitutes representation that you are fully aware of the inherently uncertain nature of forecasting, and in particular financial forecasting, as well as the risks inherent in buying and selling in the financial markets, and that the output of MarketMaster(tm) does not constitute "advice" or "recommendations", and that past performance is no guarantee of future results. MarketMaster(tm) Series/Release number follows this pattern: Series Number Registration Code ID (Optional) | | 3 . 1 0 R / \ Release Level Correction Level If any of the Series/Release Number is followed by a 'R' e.g. Series 3-10R, the 'R' denotes that it is a registered version, and as such may not be distributed to others. Only the shareware version (WITHOUT THE 'R'), such as this one, be freely and widely disseminated and distributed prior to July 1, 1991. Users who find MarketMaster(tm) useful and continue to use the program extensively after initial trial shall elect one of the following actions: NO REGISTRATION: If you are happy with the shareware version, and do not wish to register for the full version, please send a donation of any amount. (suggested amount: $90) (NOTE: SHAREWARE VERSION IS LIMITED IN TIME AND THE NUMBER OF INDICATORS PROVIDED AND IN THE NUMBER OF DATA FILES THAT CAN BE ANALYZED (4). THE FULL (REGISTERED) VERSION ALLOWS VIRTUALLY UNLIMITED NUMBER OF DATA FILES TO BE ANALYZED, (UP TO THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF YOUR HARD DISK) AND RUNS INDEFINITELY. GET FULL VERSION: After a reasonable trial period (30 days), and if you are serious about investing, you would be wise to order the full-featured version of MarketMaster(tm). The full version provides you with at least FOUR (4) forecasting indicators instead of just one, and unlimited usage in terms of time and number of data files you can analyze. The full version allows you to print the graphs to your printer. A hardcopy user manual is also provided. The shareware version allows up to 4(four) extra files that you can create to do your own analysis. The commercial version allows unlimited number of files. To order the full version, please call R.M.C. at 408-773-8715 or write to us at the address below: R.M.C. P.O. Box 60842 Sunnyvale, CA 94088-0842 U.S.A. Phone: 408-773-8715 WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARD ORDERS OVER THE PHONE. VISA, M/C AND AM EXP. OK. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE TERMS, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CEASE THE USE OF THIS PROGRAM -- MARKETMASTER(tm). IF YOU AGREE WITH ALL THE ABOVE TERMS, THEN YOU MAY FURTHER PROCEED: ******************************* HOW TO INSTALL MARKETMASTER(tm): ******************************* MarketMaster(tm) requires 512K RAM, a 500K disk space and DOS 2.1 or later. To install MarketMaster(tm), you should first create a subdirectory on your hard disk using whatever name you like, and copy all the MarketMaster(tm) files over to the newly created subdirectory. Unless you obtained MarketMaster(tm) on a disk with all the programs and support files already de-compressed and ready to run, you will note that MarketMaster(tm) and support files are compressed into a single self- extracting file with its name in the form MMnnna.EXE, where "nnna" are 3 digits and an optional letter. For example, MM310.EXE contains Series 3-10 (i.e. Series 3, Release 02) of MarketMaster(tm). After you have copied all the files to the hard disk subdirectory as described above, you may begin extracting the files by typing either "GO" or "MMnnna" (where "nnna" is the version number) and press key. For example, if you have MM310.EXE, then just type "MM310". Press "Y" if you are asked "Overwrite?". After file extraction is completed, SIMPLY TYPE "GO" or "MM" AND PRESS TO START MarketMaster(tm). The program also uses the DOS file COMMAND.COM which is usually accessible. In the rare event the program does not run, just copy COMMAND.COM to the subdirectory so that it is accessible. THAT'S ALL THERE IS TO THE INSTALLATION! ******************************************************************** ******************************************************************** STOCK MARKET BBS: 408-733-9341 (300/1200/2400 baud, 8/N/1) TECHNICAL SUPPORT PHONE LINE (voice): 408-773-8715 24-HOUR FAX LINE: 408-746-0477  œ2«œ2  Š******************************************************************** ***** MORE DETAILED DISCUSSIONS ON HOW TO USE MarketMaster(tm) ***** ******************************************************************** As described earlier, you start MarketMaster(tm) by typing "GO" or "MM", after copying all files to a hard disk subdirectory and after you have extracted all the files by typing "MM310" and . After the introductory screens, hitting any key begins the running of MarketMaster(tm). INSTRUCTIONS ON USING MarketMaster(tm): *************************************** The following instructions pertain to the commercial version with 4(FOUR) leading indicators. The shareware version provides only 1(ONE) leading indicator. In addition the commercial version provides confirming indicators whereas the shareware version uses the 10-day moving average in lieu of confirming indicators. Except for these differences between the commercial version and the shareware version, the following instructions should be quite easy to understand. After installing MarketMaster(tm) as described above, you should return to the subdirectory containing MarketMaster(tm) and type "GO" and press key to begin running the program. After the introductory screens, the program asks for a file name, you can enter "DEMO" for a demonstration and the program will use the "DEMO.DBF" file containing actual sample data (S&P500 futures contract) to demonstrate to you its capabilities. Additional DBF files that come with MarketMaster are for your review. To Do Your Own Analyses. If you want to do your own analysis, enter the name of the file you want to use. If that file does not exist, it will be automatically created for you so that you can then begin data entry for that file. For example, if you want to call the data file for IBM stock "ibm", then just type "ibm" as the file name when asked. If a file named "IBM. DBF" exists on disk, it will be automatically fetched and opened. If the file does not exist, it will be automatically created. (Note: Those familiar with DBASE will note that the data files are in DBASE file format for easy import and export of data). Once the proper data file is chosen (or created, if not found on disk), you are ready to use the functions. You will be presented with a spread-sheet-like command menu. If you are familiar with Lotus 1-2-3, you will know how to move (i.e. cycle) from one command to the next by using the arrow keys, or by pressing the space bar. As you move from command to command, a brief description of the function of the high-lighted command will be displayed on the last line of the screen. Use the space bar to move to the different commands and familiarize yourself with the functions of each command. Note that the Delete command is a toggle in that it will alternate between the functions of delete and undelete. The use of the View command immediately put you in a line-by-line display of data records (also known as the "browse mode"). Once you are in view (i.e. browse) mode, the Lotus-style menu will no longer be operative. Instead, use the new commands as described on the top of screen to navigate or manipulate data. For example, ^U means pressing down the key and then press the U key. It is the same as the delete/ undelete toggle in the earlier Lotus-like menu. You can mark each line of record as deleted or undeleted using Control-U key combination. Likewise, as described on the top of screen, you can use F2 key to edit any record while in view (i.e. browse) mode. The F3 key allows you to append or add a record, and so forth. You can use the arrows to move from record to record, and from field to field. To get out of the view mode, you simply press the < Esc > key, and the Lotus-style menu will again be presented at the bottom of the screen, ready to carry out the commands you choose. You may find the view mode more convenient for adding (i.e. appending) or updating (i.e. editing) records, but this is a matter of personal preference. INTERPRETATION (indicators #1 through #4): Let us illustrate with the "DEMO" file since it has ample data, After you picked "DEMO" as the file name, the program does some processing and displays the result graphically on your screen. Three lines will be presented. The blue (or dotted) line is the closing price line showing the actual closing price for the last 50 days or less. The yellow (or solid) line is the forecasting indicator which tends to precede the blue line and forecasts the probable future price target/direction. A confirming indicator of price (given as a light-blue or dashed line) is also provided. The confirming indicator confirms what has been forecast and serves to justify a position, be it bullish or bearish. This is useful because of the substantial lead time that can sometimes precede the start of a price turning point. It is not unusual for a market to be bearish and yet the prices do not decline right away, and vice versa. The yellow (solid line) forecasting indicators can predict price tops and bottoms ahead of their occurrence. However, the confirming indicators should also confirm to fully justify maintaining a trading position. After knowing the market is bullish or bearish from the leading indicators, whether to establish or to keep a position can then be determined by referencing the confirming indicator. A bullish position is well justified if the leading indicator is bullish and the closing price remains above (and NOT equal to) the confirming indicator. The case for a bearish position is well justified so long as the leading indicator is bearish and the closing price remains below (and NOT equal to) the confirming indicator. Some users will not have an EGA or VGA monitor, therefore, the blue closing price line will show up as a dotted line (representing price), the light-blue confirming indicator line will show up as a dashed line, and the solid line will represent the forecasting indicator. Note that for CGA monitors, the program picks the highest resolution which usually results in a two-color black and white display. By comparing the yellow (solid) forecasting indicator line with the price line and the confirming indicator line, you can immediately determine the near-term price outlook. In general, if the forecasting indicator, i.e. the yellow (solid) line, is above the closing price line (as represented by the dotted line), and the closing price is above the confirming indicator line (as represented by the dashed line), a bullish position is justified. This is so because the yellow (solid) forecasting indicator is telling you that the future price/direction will be above the current price and this is further confirmed by the closing price being above the confirming indicator line. Conversely if the forecasting indicator, i.e. the yellow (solid) indicator line, is below the closing price (as represented by the blue dotted line), and the closing price line also drops below the confirming line, a bearish position is justified. If you wish to print the screen, you should turn on you printer, make sure it has paper and then select your printer type. In a few seconds to a minute or more (depending on your printer), the graph will be transferred from your screen to your printer. After the printer is finished with printing, the program presents you the main menu for further instructions. Currently, for hardcopy graphic output, we support all printers that are compatible to Epson-FX, HP-Laserjet, Epson-MX or IBM Proprinter. Be sure to set your printer to the proper emulation mode if it is other than the above named brands. When you press 'l' or '2' while in the main menu, you will see a graphic display seconds later. Forecasting indicator #2, differs from forecasting indicator #1 in being more sensitive, especially in sideways markets. Moreover, it attempts to make better price projections in non-trending markets. In a highly trending market, forecasting indicator #1 will tend to indicate higher prices or lower prices more reliably. However, in a non-trending market that oscillates, forecasting indicator#2 tends to be superior in pinpointing price tops and bottoms. Indicator #3 and #4 are analogous to indicator #1 and #2, respectively. The main difference is that whereas indicators #1 and #2 utilize volume data, indicators #3 and #4 do not. The use and interpretation of indicators #3 and #4 do not differ from that of indicators #1 and #2. Moreover, the degree of bullishness or bearishness can be gauged by the amount that the yellow (solid) indicator line is above or below the closing price (blue dotted line). A deteriorating bullish situation (i.e. one turning bearish) is indicated where the yellow (solid) indicator line, although above the blue (dotted) price line, is rapidly dropping or moving towards said blue dotted line. Conversely, a decreasingly bearish situation (i.e. turning bullish) is one where the yellow (solid) indicator line, although below the blue dotted line, is moving up relative to said blue dotted line and approaching it from the downside. Buy and sell signals are triggered where the yellow (solid) indicator line crosses above (for buy) or below (for sell) the blue dotted line which in turn crosses above (for buy) or below (for sell) the blue dashed line (i.e. the confirming indicator line)... Depending on the nature of the underlying stock, future, index or mutual fund being forecast, the buy/sell signal may be leading. If so, and if you do not want to rely on confirming indicators, it is important to adjust for the amount of lead time. For example, if for a certain stock, the buy signals from the forecasting indicator (solid line) tend to come a day before the true price bottom, then you would want to wait for one more day or until the signal is confirmed by the confirming indicator before going long. If the sell signal for this same stock tends to come 3 days ahead of the true top, you would want to wait for about 3 days from the sell signal or until the signal is confirmed by the confirming indicator before selling or going short. Each stock, future contract or security has its peculiar lead time for buy and sell signals and an examination of the graphic display given by MarketMaster(tm) will usually provide the clue as to how much time adjustment to make or you can simply wait for the confirmation from the confirming indicator. Future price targets are also roughly estimated by the yellow (solid) indicator line. The price target approximation can be good or poor, as seen visually, depending on the underlying issue. INTERPRETATION (Crossover Analysis): In addition to the 4 leading indicators, a cross-over analysis of the 5-day and the 11-day moving averages is also available. At the Lotus-style menu, press 'C' or choose 'CrOvr' command to activate this analysis. In this analysis, the yellow (solid) line would represent the 5-day moving average, while the light-blue (dashed) line would represent the 11-day moving average. The interpretation is classic, i.e. when the faster indicator (i.e. the 5-day moving average) is above the slower indicator (i.e. the 11-day moving average), it is bullish. Conversely when the faster indicator (i.e. the 5-day moving average) is below the slower indicator (i.e. the 11-day moving average), it is bearish. Besides stocks and futures contracts, areas where MarketMaster(tm) can readily apply include the forecasting of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which is a market index that has a High, Low, Close for each day. As for volume data, simply use the New York Stock Exchange Volume in lieu of the volume for the 30 industrials. This is preferable to no volume at all. You can use the signals for the broad market averages to switch between stock and money market funds without commission (assuming that you switch between no-loads). TIPS FOR INDEX-RELATED TRADING: MarketMaster(tm) is a generic forecaster, although it was originally created for trading stocks. Later, it was enhanced to cover stock market indices and futures. For those who intend to use MarketMaster(tm) for stock options, we suggest that they forecast the underlying stocks instead. For those who intend to trade stock index futures, we suggest that they simply analyze the index itself. For example, for the S&P500 futures, it would be much better and more accurate to forecast the S&P500 Index by using its dally High, Low and Close and by using the total New York Stock Exchange volume as a proxy for the volume of the 500 S&P stocks. Likewise, for OEX options trading or stock index futures options trading, the underlying cash index should be analyzed instead. Not only will the results be more accurate, the data is readily available and not delayed. Moreover, you avoid the problem associated with expirations as would exist if you were to analyze the futures or options directly. In the case of non-market-index futures such as agricultural commodities, you may have no choice but to use the data relating to the particular commodities. INTRADAY ANALYSIS: Although MarketMaster(tm) is not designed for intraday analysis, its use during trading hours is not invalid, particularly towards the closing bell. Therefore it is not absolutely necessary to wait until the close to obtain a reading as there are times when the market has moved so decisively in one direction that some meaningful forecasts may be obtained even though the market is still open. Of course, there is always the risk that the market may move dramatically in the opposite direction in the last few minutes of trading, although the probability of such a movement or that such movement will invalidate the forecast diminishes as the market approaches closing time. In doing intraday analysis, be sure that you edit (rather than add) the last record, since only one record should be entered for each trading day. Also, be sure to update (i.e. edit) the record once more after the market has closed and the final data for the day becomes available. MarketMaster(tm) assumes that the data are real historic observations and process them with that assumption. Certainly if the numbers are false, the processing will be meaningless and computational failure may result. To avoid problems, always use real historic data. For best results, pick only actively traded issues for your analysis. Not only will the forecasts tend to work out better, these are also the type of investment/trading vehicles that you'll want to use since they tend to offer the most opportunities for profit and the least slippage. Acknowledgment: Lotus 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. dBASE is a trademark of Ashton-Tate. ******************************************************************** *********** SAMPLE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK FROM OUR USERS ************ ******************************************************************** "After five previous ... programs to do market analysis, MarketMaster(tm) is by far the easiest to use and understand ..." G.W., Los Angeles, CA "Your program [MarketMaster(tm)] is what I've been looking for." D.M., Chicago, IL "I enjoy the program [MarketMaster(tm)] very much and use it to track my stocks and bonds." B.B., San Francisco, CA "I've tested it [MarketMaster(tm)] with Dow Jones Industrial Average. The indicators really do work and turn ahead of time." L.L., Houston, TX "Boom! Platinum moved just as MarketMaster(tm) forecasted. So did silver. I am really excited about this software ..." J.M., Baltimore, MD "Thanks to you and your associates for making this [forecasting program] available to the public." B.M., Boston, MA "The T-Bonds moved really well [as forecasted by MarketMaster(tm)]." S.P., New York, NY "MarketMaster(tm) is terrific, its SELL signal for the S&P500 on October 6, 1989" could not be more timely. Keep up the good work." M.B., Seattle, WA "Thank you for creating this great program." I.V., San Jose, CA "I back tested the system on many markets over a period of months. I can safely say that anyone can trade with MarketMaster(tm) and make money. It can be used with any market from S&P to Wheat. I have referred MarketMaster(tm) to about 20 of my friends. Thanks and good luck." R.M., Utica, MI "Your program is absolutely first class." M.M., Potlatch, ID "I have bought many trading methods and systems for commodities in the past. I think yours is the best. It is easy to operate even for this computer novice... [I]f one uses it wisely, it will be very profitable. [T]he price is an incredible bargain! It is worth much more!" A.H., W. Palm Beach, FL ======================================================================== ENJOY!! Acknowledgment: Lotus 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. dBASE is a trademark of Ashton-Tate. -- END OF README!.TXT --