Insights for Smarter Portfolio Decisions

Evidence-based research on portfolio comparison, backtesting, rebalancing, risk diversification, and tax-aware investing — for advisors and serious investors.

Every insight is grounded in real market data and the same analytical principles used inside Awalyt.

Our Methodology

Daily market data
Transparent rebalancing logic
Tax-aware simulations
Professional-grade methodology

All Insights

How to Check ETF Overlap for Free — And Why You Should Before Buying Two ETFs [2026]
New
Free Overlap Guide
Best Practices & Reporting

How to Check ETF Overlap for Free — And Why You Should Before Buying Two ETFs [2026]

A free way to check how much two ETFs actually share, and why investors who hold VOO and QQQ together end up more concentrated than they think.

May 26Giacomo
9 min
How to Run a Free DCA Backtest — And Why You Should Before Investing [2026]
New
Free Backtest Guide
Best Practices & Reporting

How to Run a Free DCA Backtest — And Why You Should Before Investing [2026]

A free way to backtest dollar-cost averaging on any ETF in under a minute, and why running it first beats picking based on forum advice and gut feel.

May 23Giacomo
9 min
10 Years of $300/Month DCA: What Happened on VOO, QQQ, AAPL, and 7 Other Popular Assets [2026]
DCA Backtest · 10 Assets
Best Practices & Reporting

10 Years of $300/Month DCA: What Happened on VOO, QQQ, AAPL, and 7 Other Popular Assets [2026]

I ran $300/month DCA from 2016 to 2026 on 10 popular ETFs and stocks. The dispersion is brutal, and gold beat the S&P 500. Here's the data.

May 21Giacomo
11 min
VT vs VTI: Is a World ETF Actually More Diversified? [2026]
ETF Head-to-Head
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

VT vs VTI: Is a World ETF Actually More Diversified? [2026]

Is a world ETF more diversified than a US one? 16 years of daily data on VT vs VTI: returns, risk, and the 50% overlap most investors never check.

May 19Giacomo
11 min
VOO vs SPMO: Should You Trade the S&P 500 for Its Momentum Version? [2026]
Momentum vs Market
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

VOO vs SPMO: Should You Trade the S&P 500 for Its Momentum Version? [2026]

10 years of daily data on VOO vs SPMO: 520% vs 315% return, alpha 4.61%, better Sharpe, better drawdown. The surprising truth about momentum.

May 13Giacomo
13 min
If You Invested $10,000 in QQQ 10 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today [2026]
10-Year Backtest · Real Numbers
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

If You Invested $10,000 in QQQ 10 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today [2026]

A daily-data backtest of $10,000 invested in QQQ from May 2016 to May 2026. The final number, the brutal 2022, and what the ride actually looked like.

May 11Giacomo
10 min
What Is Factor Investing? A Practical Guide with 12 Years of Real Data [2026]
Factor Investing
Best Practices & Reporting

What Is Factor Investing? A Practical Guide with 12 Years of Real Data [2026]

Factor investing promises higher returns or lower risk. 12 years of backtest data on MTUM, VTV, USMV, and QUAL reveal what actually works.

May 7Giacomo
14 min
What Is Portfolio Diversification? (And How to Measure If You Actually Have It) [2026]
Portfolio Diversification
Risk, Diversification & Correlation

What Is Portfolio Diversification? (And How to Measure If You Actually Have It) [2026]

Most investors think diversification means owning more ETFs. The data tells a different story, and it's measurable. Here's how to check yours.

May 5Giacomo
13 min
If You Invested $10,000 in VOO 10 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today [2026]
10-Year Backtest · Real Numbers
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

If You Invested $10,000 in VOO 10 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today [2026]

A daily-data backtest of $10,000 invested in VOO from April 2016 to April 2026. The final number, the worst year, the best year, and what the path actually looked like.

Apr 29Giacomo
9 min
60/40 vs 80/20 vs 90/10: VOO/BND Backtest Results (15 Years) [2026]
Data-Driven
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

60/40 vs 80/20 vs 90/10: VOO/BND Backtest Results (15 Years) [2026]

We backtested 60/40, 80/20, and 90/10 VOO/BND allocations over 15 years of daily data. See the real returns, drawdowns, and why 60/40 won on risk-adjusted metrics.

Apr 27Giacomo
8 min
VOO vs QQQ: Which Should You Buy? [2026 Data + Overlap Analysis]
ETF Head-to-Head
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

VOO vs QQQ: Which Should You Buy? [2026 Data + Overlap Analysis]

VOO vs QQQ compared with 15 years of daily data. Returns, risk metrics, holdings overlap (94.8%), sector breakdown, and a practical framework for choosing.

Apr 21Giacomo
11 min
SPY vs VOO vs IVV: Which S&P 500 ETF Should You Pick? [2026]
ETF Head-to-Head
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

SPY vs VOO vs IVV: Which S&P 500 ETF Should You Pick? [2026]

We backtested SPY, VOO, and IVV over 15 years with daily data. The performance difference is tiny — here's what should actually drive your decision.

Apr 17Giacomo
10 min
How to Tell If a Stock Is Overvalued or Undervalued: A Framework with Real Examples [2026]
Valuation Framework with Real Data
Stock Analysis

How to Tell If a Stock Is Overvalued or Undervalued: A Framework with Real Examples [2026]

A single P/E ratio can't tell you if a stock is cheap or expensive. A 4-layer valuation framework, applied to Adobe and NVIDIA, shows why.

Apr 14Giacomo
13 min
How Often Should You Rebalance Your Portfolio? A 14-Year Backtest of 4 Strategies [2026]
Rebalancing Tested with Real Data
Rebalancing & Allocation

How Often Should You Rebalance Your Portfolio? A 14-Year Backtest of 4 Strategies [2026]

Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual? 14 years of daily-data backtests show one clear loser, and three frequencies that tied on every metric.

Apr 13Giacomo
12 min
Backtesting a Portfolio: 6 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them [2026]
Backtesting Best Practices
Best Practices & Reporting

Backtesting a Portfolio: 6 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them [2026]

Most backtests mislead, not because the math is wrong but because of how they're set up. Six common mistakes, with real examples and fixes.

Apr 10Giacomo
11 min
Daily vs Monthly Data in Backtesting — Does It Matter? [2026]
Data Accuracy Deep Dive
Backtesting & Strategy Design

Daily vs Monthly Data in Backtesting — Does It Matter? [2026]

Daily and monthly backtesting data produce similar returns but dramatically different risk metrics. We show exactly how much max drawdown, volatility, and Sharpe ratio change with real examples — and why it matters for your portfolio decisions.

Apr 6Giacomo
11 min
Does Rebalancing Actually Improve Returns? We Tested the All Weather Portfolio Over 16 Years [2026]
Rebalancing Deep Dive with Real Data
Backtesting & Strategy Design

Does Rebalancing Actually Improve Returns? We Tested the All Weather Portfolio Over 16 Years [2026]

We ran two backtests on Ray Dalio's All Weather Portfolio — one with annual rebalancing, one without. The rebalanced version returned less. But the full picture tells a different story. Here's what 4,023 daily data points reveal about what rebalancing actually does.

Apr 6Giacomo
13 min
How to Use Historical P/E to Tell If a Stock Is Cheap or Expensive [2026]
Valuation Framework with Real Data
Best Practices & Reporting

How to Use Historical P/E to Tell If a Stock Is Cheap or Expensive [2026]

A single P/E ratio tells you almost nothing. Learn how to track a company's P/E over time, compare trailing vs forward P/E, and use profitability context to assess whether a stock is actually undervalued or just looks cheap.

Mar 31Giacomo
10 min
Bogleheads 3-Fund Portfolio vs S&P 500: A 14-Year Backtest with Real Data [2026]
Real Backtest with Daily Data
Backtesting & Strategy Design

Bogleheads 3-Fund Portfolio vs S&P 500: A 14-Year Backtest with Real Data [2026]

We backtested the Bogleheads 3-Fund Portfolio (VTI, BND, VXUS) against the S&P 500 over 14 years using daily data. See the real performance, risk metrics, correlation shifts during the 2022 crash, and an AI-powered assessment of strengths and weaknesses.

Mar 30Giacomo
14 min
What Is Portfolio Backtesting? A Complete Guide for DIY Investors [2026]
Backtesting Explained with Real Data
Backtesting & Strategy Design

What Is Portfolio Backtesting? A Complete Guide for DIY Investors [2026]

Portfolio backtesting lets you test an investment strategy against real historical data before risking your money. Learn how it works, what metrics to look for, its limitations, and how to run your first backtest with real examples.

Mar 30Giacomo
12 min
Nike Stock: Turnaround or Value Trap? What the Data Shows Before Q3 Earnings [March 2026]
Earnings Deep Dive
Stock Analysis

Nike Stock: Turnaround or Value Trap? What the Data Shows Before Q3 Earnings [March 2026]

Nike is at its lowest price in nearly a decade. Revenue is declining, margins are compressing, but a new CEO is rebuilding from the ground up. We break down the fundamentals, the turnaround strategy, and the key risks ahead of March 31 earnings.

Mar 25Giacomo
14 min
How Many ETFs Do You Really Need? 12 Years of Data Have the Answer.
12-Year Backtest
Risk, Diversification & Correlation

How Many ETFs Do You Really Need? 12 Years of Data Have the Answer.

We tested a 6-ETF portfolio over 12 years and it returned 192.89% — beating its benchmark by 68 percentage points. Here's why fewer, smarter picks outperform bloated portfolios.

Mar 23Giacomo
9 min
VOO vs VTI: What's the Actual Difference? [2026 Comparison]
ETF Head-to-Head
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

VOO vs VTI: What's the Actual Difference? [2026 Comparison]

A data-driven breakdown of VOO vs VTI with 15 years of daily performance data. Holdings, sector overlap, risk metrics, and when one actually makes more sense than the other.

Mar 17Giacomo
10 min
Core + Satellite Portfolio Strategy: How to Build a Portfolio That Grows AND Protects Your Money [2026]
Strategy Explained with Real Data
Best Practices & Reporting

Core + Satellite Portfolio Strategy: How to Build a Portfolio That Grows AND Protects Your Money [2026]

Learn how the core + satellite strategy helps retail investors balance stability and growth. Includes real backtest data comparing a diversified ETF core vs. a high-growth satellite portfolio.

Mar 16Giacomo
10 min
Is Adobe the Most Undervalued Tech Stock Right Now? A Data-Driven Analysis [March 2026]
Earnings Deep Dive
Stock Analysis

Is Adobe the Most Undervalued Tech Stock Right Now? A Data-Driven Analysis [March 2026]

Adobe is down 35% with record profits and its cheapest P/E in a decade. We break down valuation, margins, cash flow, AI risks, and what to watch at the March 12 earnings — all powered by Awalyt's fundamental analysis.

Mar 11Giacomo
14 min
How to Build a Core ETF Portfolio: A 5-Step Framework
Framework
Best Practices & Reporting

How to Build a Core ETF Portfolio: A 5-Step Framework

A data-driven, step-by-step guide to building a core ETF portfolio that matches your risk profile. Includes ETF analysis, correlation checks, backtesting, and the discipline most investors skip.

Mar 10Giacomo
12 min
Best Portfolio Backtesting Tools in 2026: Which One Gets the Data Right?
Tool Comparison · Data-Driven
Backtesting & Strategy Design

Best Portfolio Backtesting Tools in 2026: Which One Gets the Data Right?

Portfolio Visualizer, Testfol.io, PortfolioMetrics, and Awalyt compared. Which tools use daily data, which use monthly, and why it matters for risk.

Mar 3Giacomo
12 min
SCHD vs VYM vs VIG: 14-Year Backtest — Which Dividend Strategy Actually Wins?
14-Year Backtest Analysis
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

SCHD vs VYM vs VIG: 14-Year Backtest — Which Dividend Strategy Actually Wins?

SCHD, VYM, and VIG compared with 14 years of daily-data backtests. One leads on alpha, one on yield, one on volatility. See which wins on what.

Mar 2Giacomo
12 min
How 15% Gold Turned an Aggressive Tech Portfolio into a Market-Beating Strategy
14-Year Backtest + AI Analysis
Risk, Diversification & Correlation

How 15% Gold Turned an Aggressive Tech Portfolio into a Market-Beating Strategy

A portfolio of QQQ, VGT, SOXX, VTI, and 15% GLD returned +828% vs SPY's +545% over 14 years. We analyze why gold — the most boring asset — made the riskiest bet work better, with daily data, correlation matrices, and AI-powered analysis.

Mar 2Giacomo
11 min
SCHD vs DGRO vs VYM vs HDV vs SPYD: 10-Year Backtest [2026]
10-Year Backtest Analysis
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

SCHD vs DGRO vs VYM vs HDV vs SPYD: 10-Year Backtest [2026]

SCHD, DGRO, VYM, HDV, and SPYD compared over 10 years of daily data. The highest-yielding ETF had the lowest total return. See the numbers.

Feb 23Giacomo
12 min
ChatGPT vs. Reality: We Backtested 3 AI Portfolios for 10 Years
Strategy Comparison
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

ChatGPT vs. Reality: We Backtested 3 AI Portfolios for 10 Years

We asked ChatGPT for 3 perfect ETF portfolios and backtested them on Awalyt. Discover which AI strategy actually survived the 2022 market crash.

Feb 18Giacomo
8 min
Data-Driven
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

60/40 vs 70/30 vs 80/20: VTI/VXUS Backtest Results (14 Years)

We backtested 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20 VTI/VXUS allocations over 14 years. See the actual returns, drawdowns, and what the data says about US vs International diversification.

Dec 15Giacomo
7 min
Data-Driven
Portfolio & ETF Comparison

Does Gold Improve Portfolio Returns? [Backtest]

Backtested portfolios with and without gold over 15 years. 20% gold reduced max drawdown by 18% while maintaining returns. See the data.

Jan 13Giacomo
10 min

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