Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ArcAlpha — how it works, what it costs, and how it can help you research the market more effectively.
Getting Started
What is ArcAlpha?+
ArcAlpha is an educational market intelligence platform that analyzes stocks using quantitative methods. It scans thousands of stocks across multiple timeframes, identifies patterns based on historical data, and presents that analysis to help self-directed traders research the market more efficiently. ArcAlpha does not execute trades, manage accounts, or provide personalized investment advice.
Who is ArcAlpha designed for?+
ArcAlpha is built for self-directed traders and investors who want to make more informed decisions using data. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, the platform presents the same analysis to everyone — you decide how to use it. No prior quantitative or programming experience is required.
Do I need trading experience to use ArcAlpha?+
No. The platform is designed to be accessible regardless of your experience level. Each analysis screen includes educational context explaining what the data means. That said, ArcAlpha is an analytical tool, not a step-by-step trading guide — it provides information and historical patterns for you to evaluate independently.
How do I get started?+
You can create a free Explorer account to access basic scanning features and see how the platform works. From there, you can explore the different analysis screens at your own pace. When you are ready for deeper analysis, you can upgrade to a paid tier for additional features.
Does ArcAlpha work on mobile devices?+
ArcAlpha is a web-based platform optimized for desktop browsers. While it is accessible on mobile devices, the analysis screens and charts are best experienced on a larger display.
How It Works
What does ArcAlpha actually do?+
ArcAlpha scans approximately 11,700 U.S. stocks across multiple timeframes (from intraday to weekly) looking for specific technical patterns. When it identifies a pattern of interest, it generates an alert with supporting context — historical data, sector analysis, and a composite score based on multiple factors. You review the analysis and make your own trading decisions independently through your own broker.
Does ArcAlpha tell me what to buy or sell?+
No. ArcAlpha is an educational analysis platform, not an investment advisor. It identifies patterns and presents historical data for your research. It does not recommend specific trades, tell you when to buy or sell, or provide personalized advice. All analysis is identical for every user. You are solely responsible for your own investment decisions.
What is the Setup Strength Score?+
The Setup Strength Score is a composite number (0–100) that reflects how many of ArcAlpha's analytical factors align for a given stock at a given time. A higher score means more factors are in agreement — it does not predict what will happen or guarantee any outcome. Think of it as a way to quickly compare how many data points support a particular pattern across different stocks.
How often does ArcAlpha scan the market?+
The platform scans continuously throughout the trading day across multiple timeframes. Daily and weekly analyses are updated after market close. Intraday scans run at regular intervals during market hours. Earnings-related analysis updates around each company's reporting date.
Can ArcAlpha execute trades for me?+
No. ArcAlpha is an alerts-only platform. It generates analysis and pattern alerts for your research. You execute any trades independently through your own brokerage account. ArcAlpha does not connect to your broker, access your account, or place orders on your behalf.
Pricing & Access
Is there a free plan?+
Yes. The Explorer tier is free and gives you access to basic scanning features, limited historical data, and a selection of analysis screens so you can evaluate the platform before committing to a paid plan.
What are the paid plans?+
ArcAlpha offers two paid tiers: Alpha ($79/month) for expanded analysis, additional timeframes, and deeper historical data; and Architect ($149/month) for full access to all features including Earnings Intelligence, advanced analytics, and institutional flow context. Founding member pricing is available at a discount during early access.
Can I cancel my subscription at any time?+
Yes. All subscriptions are month-to-month with no long-term commitment. You can cancel at any time from your account settings, and you will retain access through the end of your current billing period.
Is there a free trial for paid plans?+
The free Explorer tier serves as your trial — you can use it for as long as you want to understand the platform before upgrading. We believe in letting you experience the product on your own timeline rather than pressuring you with a countdown.
Understanding the Analysis
What is a "timeframe" and why does it matter?+
A timeframe refers to the period each candlestick on a chart represents. For example, a daily timeframe shows one candle per trading day, while a 15-minute timeframe shows one candle every 15 minutes. Different timeframes reveal different patterns. A stock might look quiet on a daily chart but show activity on an hourly chart. ArcAlpha scans multiple timeframes simultaneously so you can see the bigger picture.
What are Bollinger Bands and Keltner Channels?+
These are two widely used technical indicators that measure different aspects of price movement. Bollinger Bands track short-term volatility using standard deviation, while Keltner Channels measure a broader price range using average true range. When Bollinger Bands contract inside Keltner Channels, it indicates a period of unusually low volatility — what ArcAlpha calls momentum compression.
What does "momentum release" mean?+
Momentum release refers to what happens when a period of low volatility (compression) ends and price begins to move more actively. Historically, these transitions from quiet to active price behavior can coincide with larger directional moves. ArcAlpha identifies these transitions and presents historical context about how similar patterns have resolved in the past — though every situation is unique.
How should I interpret the alerts?+
Alerts indicate that ArcAlpha's analysis has identified a pattern of interest in a particular stock. Each alert includes context — the Setup Strength Score, sector information, historical data, and timeframe details. An alert is a starting point for your own research, not a recommendation to act. Many experienced traders use alerts as a filter to narrow down which stocks deserve a closer look.
What is post-earnings drift?+
Post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) is a well-documented pattern in academic finance research. It describes the tendency for stocks to continue moving in the direction of their earnings surprise for days or weeks after the announcement. ArcAlpha's Earnings Intelligence screen provides historical data about how individual stocks have reacted to past earnings, which you can use as context for your own research.
Data & Reliability
Where does ArcAlpha get its data?+
ArcAlpha sources market data from established, institutional-grade financial data providers. Price data, fundamentals, analyst estimates, and other inputs are sourced from multiple professional data feeds to ensure accuracy and reliability.
How accurate is the analysis?+
ArcAlpha's analysis is based on mathematical calculations applied to real market data. The calculations themselves are precise — when the platform reports that a stock is in compression, that is a factual observation about the relationship between its Bollinger Bands and Keltner Channels. However, no analysis can predict future price movements. Historical patterns provide context, not certainty.
Is the analysis the same for everyone?+
Yes. Every user sees the same analysis, the same scores, and the same alerts. ArcAlpha does not personalize its output based on your account, portfolio, risk tolerance, or any other individual factor. This is by design — the platform provides impersonal, data-driven analysis that is identical for all users.
How far back does the historical data go?+
Historical data depth varies by feature. Daily price data extends several years for most stocks. Earnings reaction history typically covers the last six to eight quarters. The specific depth available depends on your subscription tier and the analysis screen you are using.
Safety, Compliance & Your Account
Is ArcAlpha a financial advisor or broker?+
No. ArcAlpha is not a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or introducing broker. It is an educational market intelligence platform that provides the same algorithmic analysis to all users. It does not provide personalized recommendations, manage portfolios, hold customer funds, or execute trades. You are solely responsible for your own investment decisions.
Should I follow ArcAlpha alerts as trading advice?+
No. ArcAlpha alerts are algorithmic observations for educational and informational purposes — they are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Every alert should be treated as a starting point for your own independent research. Past patterns do not guarantee future results. Always consider your own financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment objectives before making any trading decision.
Is my personal information safe?+
ArcAlpha takes data security seriously. Account authentication is handled through industry-standard infrastructure. We do not store payment card details directly — payment processing is handled by established third-party processors. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Does ArcAlpha have access to my brokerage account?+
No. ArcAlpha never connects to, accesses, or interacts with your brokerage account in any way. There is no account linking, no read access, and no trade execution. ArcAlpha and your broker are completely separate.
What should I do if I am new to trading?+
If you are new to trading, take time to learn the fundamentals before risking real money. ArcAlpha provides educational analysis and context, but it is not a substitute for understanding basic concepts like risk management, position sizing, and market mechanics. Consider paper trading (simulated trading) first, and consult with a qualified financial advisor if you need personalized guidance about your specific financial situation.
Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you.
ArcAlpha is an educational market intelligence platform. It does not provide personalized investment advice, portfolio management, or trade execution services. All analysis is algorithmic, impersonal, and delivered identically to all users. Past patterns and historical data do not guarantee future results. You are solely responsible for your own investment decisions. Please consult a qualified financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.