Amateur Invest - Content.
Click the underlined text that matches a topic to learn more about this program; Amateur Invest:
Introduction
A fast (and easy) start
The Main Window
The Menus
Graphics
Please note, that in many places in Amateur Invest, if you keep the mouse over a button or field, small explanations about their usage will be shown after a short period of time.
Amateur Invest is closely linked to the internet. Via the internet, you can receive new prices, information, and updates of this program. You can also read more about the author, see answers to frequently asked questions, and register the program.
Please visit the Amateur Invest Internet site.
If you have questions, there is a discussion forum, where the questions can be entered. And you can get further information here:
Frequently asked questions.
How-to guide?
Amateur Invest - Introduction.
Amateur Invest is a program, that is made to be easy to use.
In it, you can enter bank accounts and transactions, for the purpose of tracking your bank statements and the interest prices the bank gives you.
You can also enter securities, prices and other information, for the purpose of tracking historic data.
Finally you can enter your own portfolio, for the purpose of tracking profit and loss.
All this you get with Amateur Invest. Plus you can view the above as well as much more information represented in graphics on the screen and reports on the screen or on paper printout.
Amateur Invest is not a complex or fancy program, that can do 1 thing in a 1000 ways - it is kept simple, so that you easily can get started and easily can keep track of your investments.
On these help pages, much useful information is given. Please do not hesitate to use the on line help often. Help pages are often specifically made for the exact window you are looking at on the screen. Push the F1 key or the "Help" button, and specific help for each window is shown.
If you run into problems, you can find further help on the internet site here: www.amateur-invest.com/us_faq.htm.
A fast (and easy) start.
Below is written a simple introduction to using Amateur Invest. This is so that you quickly can get started with using the program.
1. The Bank section
A. You start by entering accounts.
B. You then enter transactions (transactions) for each account.
2. The investment section
A. You start by entering securities.
B. You then add prices and other info.
C. Finally you enter your portfolio data.
All the other parts of the program, like graphics, reports, and alarms, all rely on the above sections being set up correctly.
The Main Window.
In the main window (the one you first see, with the main menu) you can either select one of the speed buttons on the left side panel, you can quick select one of the alarms & watches, or you can select from the items in the menu visible in the top line of Amateur Invest.
The speed buttons can only be reached, if you use a mouse with your computer. If you do not have a mouse, you must use the menu instead.
Here are your options with the speed buttons:
1. Admin.
For changing user id & password, and for database maintenance.
2. Im- & Export
For importing data, eg. from the internet.
3. Transactions.
For entering transactions on bank accounts.
4. Accounts.
For creating bank accounts.
5. Portfolio.
For entering your own trades.
6. Securities.
For entering and finding data about individual securities.
7. Prices & Info.
Here you enter prices for securities, and other relevant information.
8. Hints & Ideas.
Here you can get general and specific hints & ideas about investing.
9. Graphics.
Is where you can track the performance of securities graphically.
10. Reports.
You can choose between several reports to be shown on paper or on screen.
11. Alarm / Watch.
Different ways to watch your accounts and investments.
- Please note:
That the alarms & watches window, visible in the main window, cannot be closed. Users of Amateur Invest that hasn't registered, could see advertisements in that window. If you do not wish to see advertisements - please consider registering.
The Menus.
The menus are just another way to accomplish some of the same tasks that you can do, by using the button icons in the main window.
The difference is, that you must use your mouse to access the button icons, whereas you can use both the mouse and the keyboard to access the menus.
The menu line is shown on the top line of the main window. It contains:
File
Administration
Import/Export
Printer
Exit
Banking
Accounts
Transactions
Budget
Currency
Bank Watch
Investing
Portfolio
Securities
Prices & Info
Hints & Ideas
Security Watch
Reports
System Info
Bank Info
Stock Info
Tools
Report Designer
Graph Designer
Window
Help
Content
Search
About
Administration tools.
With the administrative tools you can maintain the user ID and password, and you can delete old data, and update data from the databases.
The window shown, contains 3 pages. It's like the pages in a notebook. You select between the pages, by clicking the mouse on the top note tab with the name of the page. Let's look at the different options:
User preferences.
Here you can set up a couple of things that has consequence for how the rest of the program works.
Base database.
You can use this drop down list to change between portfolios and bank setups - the data is stored in databases, and by switching databases you have the possibility to work with multiple portfolios.
By default there are 2 databases you can use. The standard INV database in which you can store your own portfolio and bank accounts/transactions. Also Amateur Invest comes with a DEM (for demo) database, in which a fictitious portfolio and bank accounts/transactions have been entered. You switch between the databases by using this setting.
Next to the drop down list of selectable base databases, you'll can see a small "M" button. This can be used to create new portfolio & bank databases. In these new databases, you can then manage other sets of portfolios and bank accounts. In the new window (manage portfolios) when you add a portfolio, you are asked for a 3 letter code. Use any letters you like, that tell you something about the data you wish to enter. E.g. DEM is the default demo database, and INV is the default master database of Amateur Invest. You could e.g. write your initials or special dates, eg. 068 for first half of 2008. When the new database is created, you can select it as the base database as described above.
When you change database / portfolio, you'll be asked if you wish to work with the latest prices. If you choose yes to latest prices, the latest prices that has been downloaded will be used in the portfolio window and in the profit/loss calculation. If you choose no, the prices that were updated, when you updated that portfolio last, will be used. If you do not update prices for the chosen portfolio, the prices will remain untouched. - In that way, you can save the value of a portfolio at a given time.
Number of bank days.
This is the base number of days, that the banks at your location use to issue interest prices. The number can be 360 or 365.
Base conversion ratio.
Some countries use one measure for the stock prices, while they use another for buying and selling stock. E.g. in the UK, you use pennies for stock prices, but you buy and sell in pounds. To be able to see the performance of your portfolio, you can change this setting according to your location.
Base currency.
This setting is used to control, which currency is the "base currency" for Amateur Invest. This is useful if you buy securities in different countries and thus in different currencies. Your portfolio will then be valued correctly, by converting foreign currencies to the base currency.
Changing the base currency, forces a recalculation of all the currencies in the currency database - changing it repeatedly, may lead to rounding errors. For further details, please go to the currency menu.
Amateur Invest remembers the currency setting, when you do a full reload of data via the import/export window. The base currency is switched back, when the reload has completed.
Base language.
This setting can be used to switch between different languages within Amateur Invest. All messages and texts in the program are then shown in the language chosen. This setting is usually set to a correct default value for your location.
Color.
Here you can set the background color of the main window. You can choose between predefined colors or set your own color.
Timer interval / Timer alert.
These two settings, makes an automatic download of prices via internet possible.
This is useful, if you have an internet connection, that is open most of the time, since you will get notified, if a price comes within an interval that you choose by yourself.
By setting the timer interval to "manual", you must download prices, by pushing the button in the import/export window.
By setting the timer interval to e.g. 15 minutes, every 15th. minute prices will automatically be downloaded via the internet. By setting the timer alert to "window", a window will be shown together with a sound, if prices are found to be above or below the limits, that you yourself can set up. If you set the timer alert to "none", prices will still be downloaded and your portfolio updated, but no window will be shown, and no sound is generated.
Please note, that a setting of a 5 minute interval, requires both a fast internet connection and a fast PC, since there could be a lot of data for download and process.
Internet address A.
This is the internet address, that is used to download the latest prices, info, etc. It is default set to point to the correct place on an Amateur Invest internet site. If changes to this occur, you can switch to a new internet site here.
Internet address B.
These lines are alternative internet addresses, that are used for importing prices from other sites than the Amateur Invest site. If you double click on the line shown in this window, a larger window will be shown, that makes it easier to edit the lines. Also if you push the "U" next to the lines, the latest definitions will be updated via internet. This can be useful, if you encounter problems in downloading prices via the internet. At the moment the lines are set to (incl. a code <$!!!$>) point to Yahoo. The <$!!!$> codes are replaced with all the securities for each exchange in the definition file. In connection with the codes that can be entered in the definition of a stock (look for details in securities under "ID Import"), it is possible to import almost live prices continuously during the exchange opening hours. Not all prices however, can be loaded this way - therefore you should also download from the Amateur Invest internet home. Read more about finding and setting up the definition lines here.
Proxy setup.
Under the proxy setup, you can enter information, if you use a proxy connection. Most users that use common connections, do not need to enter any information into these fields. If, however, you cannot get a connection to the internet (to download prices) from within a company, it might be because a proxy name or address should be entered into the fields here. In such cases you should contact your PC-help department and get the proxy values. - In the 1st field you enter the proxy address, 2nd field is proxy port, 3rd field is proxy username and 4th is proxy password.
Use sound in program.
If you check this setting, you'll hear speech and other sounds in some parts of the program. Uncheck this setting if you would like the program to be quiet.
Show Limits.
If you check this box, you'll be shown the window with limits, when you have imported information into the database.
Show SL/SP.
If you check this mark, you'll be shown the window with stop profit / stop loss, when you have imported prices into the database.
Show Advice.
If you check this mark, you'll be shown the window with advice, when you have imported information into the database. This function is not implemented yet.
User ID setup.
Here you can change the master user id and password. Enter a new, hard to break id and password. It should contain both letters and numbers. The user id and password must each contain a minimum of 6 characters.
You can also clear the user id and password by pushing the "clear" button. By clearing the 2, you will not be prompted for user and password at startup of the program.
Removed from 2007 and later: In a table, there has been made room for more users. This will be developed in coming releases.
Database maintenance.
Here you can either update, delete or pack the databases.
With Update, you can change all prices. This is useful, eg. when a company changes it's stock size (splits), etc. Enter the conversion factors, and the prices will be converted. You'll have to update the number of stocks manually in your portfolio. More information about splits can be found at: www.amateur-invest.com/us_howto.htm.
With Delete, you can select either bank transactions or prices to be deleted. It is useful once in a while to clean out old data. Select all or a specific account or security - then select the date. All or a specific security name will then be deleted with the date range you choose.
With Pack, you finally remove deleted data from the databases. It is necessary for you to do this cleaning once in a while, when the databases gets too big.
Updating the program?
Registered users have the possibility to save their data, before a new version of Amateur Invest is installed. By pushing the button "Upd. save", it is possible to enter a 3 letter code. Then push the Ok button, and the current data is saved. Then exit the old version and install the new version of Amateur Invest, whereby you overwrite the old. Then start up the new version and push the button "Upd. load", enter the 3 letter code, and push the Ok button again. This will read all the original data, that you yourself have entered, back into the new version of Amateur Invest. Remember to repeat the steps for each "base database" you might have; first "Upd. Save" for each of them - then install the new version of Amateur Invest, and finally "Upd. Load" for each of the saved bases.
A bit technical.
Since Amateur Invest uses so called databases to store the information you enter, it is important that you take a backup on a regular basis.
Backup's can be used in cases where data are unreadable for the program. This can happen if the computer suddenly get an error and stops working while it was updating the databases, or if your hard disk has an error.
You then use the backup to restore your data to the state it was in before the computer error happened. It can save you many hours of work.
Therefore, it's a very good idea to use a backup program to backup your Amateur Invest data!
Manage portfolios.
In Amateur Invest you can have multiple portfolios in use, and in this window you can manage portfolios (create and delete). Please note, that portfolios and bank accounts are managed together, so that when you create and change portfolio, you'll also create and change bank accounts.
In the list the possible portfolios are shown: The "Calc" column is not in use yet, Name (3 characters), and the date for the first and last buy/sell in the portfolio.
Add button.
Enter a 3 character code to create portfolio. You'll then be asked if you wish to copy the current portfolio. Choose "yes" to copy data from the current portfolio or "no" to create an empty portfolio.
Delete button.
Enter a 3 character code to delete portfolio.
Error with connection.
If you receive an error while trying to download data via the internet, there could be a number of possible reasons.
Make sure your connection to the internet is working - eg. try to open your internet browser and go to the site www.amateur-invest.com.
If your computer is located behind a firewall, make sure Amateur Invest is allowed to pass through.
If your computer uses a proxy server, be sure to set the settings in the Amateur Invest "Admin." window - look under "Proxy setup".
Finding and setting up definitions.
So here's a bit more about finding, and setting up the internet download definition.
It might look a bit difficult, but there is more help to be found here (with picture examples) on the internet: www.amateur-invest.com/us_faq.htm
Updates can be necessary.
Updates to the definition file are bound to be necessary, and such updates and enhancements will be placed at the Amateur Invest internet site.
Examples.
All the examples below have been found on the internet site "Yahoo". But there might be other internet services that could be used.
Amateur Invest downloads Comma Separated Values (CSV). So in principle you can use any site that supplies prices in that format, and for which you can specify the input order, as described in the section "setting up" below.
Finding.
Yahoo has finance services for many countries. By going to these sites, you can select the finance section, and there search for securities. Usually you'll be able to find the securities you are looking for, and there it will also show the "code" that the prices are listed under.
You use that code to enter into the securities database, if you are located behind a firewall or use a proxy server. The connection could "time out". In that case, you should either open up for port 80 in your firewall or change the PROXY and PROXYPORT settings in the INV_SET.INI file - this can be done from the "Administrative settings", look under "Proxy server".
Other download errors can be encountered, for example if Yahoo change the import ID codes. You should in such cases visit the Amateur Invest internet home site. Information will be posted there.
Additional note.
Not all prices can, at the moment, be updated by the method described here. Therefore you should from time to time (eg. once a week) also download prices from the Amateur Invest internet home site also.
Download prices, setup example.
Here is another example of setting up the automatic download, this one is for the Australian company Qantas:
1. Create a security in the securities database.
2. In the field: "ID Import", a code from Yahoo has to be entered.
3. The code can be found in each "national" Yahoo, eg. in this example: www.yahoo.com.au
4. Go into the "finance" part of Yahoo. This actually brings you to: http://au.finance.yahoo.com/
5. From there you can do symbol look ups. Eg. a symbol look up on Qantas, reveals the code: QAN.AX - So that code is entered into Amateur Invest.
If you do the same for eg. these securities, you'll be able to use the import facility for more Australian securities.
If you use the same technique, you can also do the same with all other national Yahoo's, like the US: www.yahoo.com, the UK: www.yahoo.co.uk, the Danish: www.yahoo.dk, and many more (look in the bottom of the main Yahoo opening screen for more national Yahoo's).
It might look a bit difficult, but there is more help to be found here (with picture examples) on the internet: www.amateur-invest.com/us_faq.htm
Bank Transactions.
Here you enter the transactions made on each bank account.
First you need to set up one or more bank accounts. Once you have done that, you can begin to enter transactions (postings).
Transactions (postings) are a number of deposits or withdrawals.
So the window will contain a listing of all the transactions (postings) that has been made to an account. The listing goes from the first transaction on to the last, where you can see the amount on your bank account.
By standard, the listing will be set to point at the latest transaction (postings) made.
Functions.
These functions apply to the bank transactions window:
Account Number
Select between the different accounts you have set up. The listings window changes, and show the transactions for each account, as you change the account number.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Space key
In addition, in this windows, it is also possible to use the "Space key". When you point out a transaction in the list of transactions, and press the <space> key on the keyboard, the transaction will be "confirmed" by you, and a check mark will be shown next to it. This can help you keep track of your payments and incomes, if you eg. crosscheck with your visa bills, etc., and your bank statements.
Buttons.
These buttons apply in the bank transactions window:
Add
- You can add transactions. See editing.
Edit
- You can edit transactions. See editing.
Delete
- You can remove transactions, one or more at a time. If you wish to delete many transactions, you can also use the administration tools. To delete transactions from the listing, you must select them, using the standard windows key/mouse combinations. When transactions are being selected, a special marker will show up to the left in the listing.
Assign
- With this button, registered users can assign budget codes to transactions. This makes it easy for you to update many transactions and have them shown in different categories in the budget window. Please enter the budget categories in the budget window first.
Then when you push this button: 1) you are asked if you wish to assign it to all accounts. Select yes if you want the assignment done on all accounts. No means only the currently selected account will be updated. 2) you are shown a window, where you can enter the text you wish to assign a budget code to, and you can enter the budget code. E.g. you have many transactions with "Salary" as the descriptive text, and you have a budget code "Income". You can then link the text to the budget code with this assignment.
Filter
- Enter all or part of transactions to filter. You can use * at the end, to select all occurrences of a special type. Eg. enter "credit card*" to filter all transactions that begin with the mentioned words. Please note that this is case sensitive.
Find
- Enter all or part of a transaction to find. You can use a * as in the above case. The find function is case insensitive. Set check mark to find from beginning or next.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the Bank transactions window.
Navigation buttons.
Under the item list, you'll see some navigation buttons, that look like the buttons on a tape recorder. Along with the scroll bar on the right hand of the item list, you can use the navigation buttons to position the item marker in the item list.
Printer Icon.
If you push the printer icon, a report with transactions for the selected account will be shown. The view is shown on screen, and from the view, you can select to have the report printed on paper.
Summation Icon.
When you push this button, you can see your total fortune. This includes all your bank accounts, and all your securities. It is your net-worth amount if you could realize all your assets, right now.
Note.
Please notice, that once you have added, edited or deleted transactions, Amateur Invest will update the total column, by running through all the transactions and recalculating the totals.
Editing Bank transactions.
When you add or edit bank transactions (postings), you get into a window, that works in the following manner.
Buttons.
You can use the <tabulator> key or the mouse to move between the different fields.These buttons apply:
Ok
- Accept the input and save the data from the fields you have changed.
Cancel
- Disregard any changes made. Do not add or edit any data.
Help
- This page here.
Keys.
Along with the usual keys to navigate within the window, you can also use the Up and Down arrow keys when you are in the "value date" field.
Fields.
The fields in the windows, have the following meanings:
Value Date
The date from which the bank calculates interest. In many countries, banks do not calculate interest from the day you have deposited money, but rather from the value date. The value date is usually 1 bank day after your deposit. So if you make a deposit on a Friday, the value date will be the following Monday. On the other hand, if you make a withdrawal, the value date is the same day. That's one of the ways bank make money.
Amount
The amount deposited or withdrawn. With a deposit, you just enter the amount. For a withdrawal, you must prefix the amount with a minus sign (-).
Text
In the text field, you can enter any text you like. This is usually used to explain what the money in the transaction was used for.
Checked
When you have checked the transaction against your bank statement, you can use this field. This can help you consolidate your accounts.
Budget code
The budget code is used, so that you can see your actual spending in comparison with your budget. The list presented, is coming from the definitions in the budget function. Please note, that in the bank transactions window, you can mass assign budget codes.
Credit Rate(s) / Debit Rate
Here the default values for the account will show up. If for some reason the interest rates have changed for just one transaction, you can enter other rates here. Mass assignment of interest rates can be done in the "Edit bank accounts" window.
Intervals.
Please note, that rates can be entered for intervals. Some times, banks gives you higher interests, the more money you have in your account. You can enter such intervals and rates in pairs. Example 1: Rate 1: 0.5%, Interval 1: 4999, Rate 2: 2%. This reads: from 0 to 4999, you get 0.5% in interest, and for anything more, you get 2% interest. Example 2: as example 1, but also: Interval 2: 9999, Rate 3: 4%. Now there's a third interval, so that from 5000 to 9999 you get 2%, and anything more you get 4%.
Rate changes.
Once in a while, banks change the interest rates. In order for the interest calculation to work, you should enter "dummy" transactions for the dates, where the banks change the rate. Eg. on the 25. May, the bank changes its rate from 0,25% to 0,50%. On all transactions up until the 25. May, your transactions have a rate of 0,25%, and even though you have no transactions for the 25. May, you enter a "dummy" transaction, with an amount of 0. For transactions after the 25. May, you enter the new rate of 0,5%. Remember to set the default rate for the account also!
After.
If you have chosen to add bank transactions, and you press either the <enter> key or the Ok button, you'll be asked if you wish to enter more transactions. <No> will bring you back to the bank transactions window. <Yes> will let you add more transactions, and the last transaction date will be remembered.
When bank transactions have been added or edited, all totals will be recalculated - this takes a moment.
Bank Accounts.
Here you can enter your different bank accounts.
You have to enter at least one bank account, before you can start to enter transactions. Bank accounts are the basis for bank transactions, and interest rate calculations.
The Item List.
The item list show an overview of the different accounts you have entered. It shows, the account number. Who owns the account, and a name, you make up yourself.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
The Buttons.
These buttons apply in the bank accounts window:
Add
- Add a new bank account. See editing.
Edit
- Edit the currently selected bank account. See editing.
Delete
- Delete the currently selected bank account. Please note, that deleting a bank account doesn't automatically delete all transactions for that account. Therefore the correct procedure for deleting an account is: 1) go into Administration, select database maintenance, and delete all transactions for the account, 2) deleting the account from this window.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the bank accounts window.
You can move between the different account with the mouse, the up and down arrow keys or the tape recorder look-alike buttons on the bottom middle part of the window.
Editing Bank Accounts.
When you add or edit bank accounts, you get into a window, that works in the following manner.
Buttons.
You can use the <tabulator> key or the mouse to move between the different fields.These buttons apply:
Assign
- Registered users, can mass update interest rates to transactions. Enter the interest rates, and then you have the possibility to enter the date from which the interest rates will be set.
Ok
- Accept the input and save the data from the fields you have changed.
Cancel
- Disregard any changes made. Do not add or edit any data.
Help
- This page here.
Fields.
The fields in this window, have the following meanings:
Account number
Here you enter the number of your account. Each account usually have a unique number.
Alternative identifier
Here you enter any text identifier, you like. This can be the purpose of the account, like salary account or savings account. And you could prefix it, with the name of the bank in which the account is held.
Owner
Here you enter the initials of the owner of the account. This could be yourself, your wife/husband, etc.
Default debit/credit
You enter the default values for the interest rates you receive on the bank account. If you receive 2% in credit rate by the bank, you enter 2. If you receive 0.25%, then you enter 0.25. The same principle applies for loans. If the interest rate of a loan (debit rate) is 10%, you should enter 10.
- Intervals
Please note, that rates can be entered for intervals. Some times, banks gives you higher interests, the more money you have in your account. You can enter such intervals and rates in pairs. Example 1: Rate 1: 0.5%, Interval 1: 4999, Rate 2: 2%. This reads: from 0 to 4999, you get 0.5% in interest, and for anything more, you get 2% interest. Example 2: as example 1, but also: Interval 2: 9999, Rate 3: 4%. Now there's a third interval, so that from 5000 to 9999 you get 2%, and anything more you get 4%.
Budget.
In this window you can enter your own budget, and in the bank transactions section (look under editing bank transactions, and the field "budget code"), you can enter the different budget codes. This will make it possible for you to see if you actually follow your budget.
Please note, that you can also use the "Assign" button in the bank transactions window, to do mass assignments of budget codes to transactions.
The window
The window has three main parts; an income grid, an expense grid, and some buttons. The income grid and the expense grid are identical in function.
Income and expense areas.
I these areas you can enter numbers in the white fields. You should not enter a minus (-) in front of expenses. Amateur Invest automatically deducts expenses from income.
In the gray fields to the left, you can enter the budget descriptions. It is those descriptions, that are used to calculate the actual numbers, when the same descriptions are used, when you enter bank transactions.
By pressing the <Ctrl> and <Insert> keys at the same time, you can insert a new row. And by pressing the <Ctrl> and <Delete> keys at the same time, you can delete an entire row.
You move around the areas and fields in the normal way, by using the mouse, the arrow keys, the tab key, etc.
Keys.
In the income and expense grids, you can use the following keys:
Delete Delete the currently selected field.
F2 Edit the currently selected field.
F5 Copy the currently selected field to all fields to the right.
F9 Recalculate all fields and sums.
Ctrl Insert Insert a new row, pushing all other down.
Ctrl Delete Delete the current row, moving all other up.
Buttons.
The following buttons are available:
Printer:
This button makes it possible (for registered users) to get the budget printed. The result is first shown on screen. From there it is possible to print the budget on paper.
What to show:
Here you decide, which information is shown. Either the budget numbers (that you yourself enter) or the actual numbers (that gets calculated from the definitions you have set up at each bank transaction).
Year:
Here you choose, which year the budget and calculations are done for.
Calculate:
In certain cases you should use this button to recalculate the sums.
Help:
This help page.
Close:
Here you close the window and the various entered numbers are saved.
Currency.
Currencies makes it possible for you to have securities in different countries.
The currencies entered in this window are used when the profit/loss is calculated in the portfolio window.
Also exchange rates on currencies go up and down, just like prices does. So you have the possibility in this window, to see the historic currency rates.
Please note that the "base currency" can be set in the administrative settings. Changing the base currency, will however trigger a recalculation of all the currencies. Forcing a recalculation can often lead to rounding errors, resulting in slightly wrong currency values. So do not change the base currency often. Set it to your own preferred setting once.
Getting currencies automatically:
- Registered users can use the import/export window to currency rates updated automatically via the internet.
Item list:
The item list is placed in the center of the window, showing all the currency prices. On the right hand side of the item list, you can scroll through the items with the mouse.
Selector:
The small selector placed next to the item list, in the top left hand corner of the window, makes it possible for you to select which currency prices that are shown, either all or one currency. This also decides which information is shown on either a report or the graph, that you can have shown by using some of the other buttons.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons:
Buttons on the right side of the item list and the window, have these meanings:
Add
- Add one new currency price. See editing.
Edit
- Edit the currently selected item. See editing.
Delete
- Delete the currently selected item.
Currency
- Registered users can add new currency definitions, making it possible to use that currency as base or calculation currency. A three letter ISO currency code (Eg. USD) for the new currency must be entered.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the Currency window.
Icons.
Icons on the right side of the item list have these meanings:
Printer icon
- If you push the printer icon, a report with the selected currency will be shown. Please note, that the information is shown according to the state of the selector, mentioned above. The report is shown on screen, and from the window, you can select to have the report printed on paper.
Graphics icon
- Registered users can push the graphics icon. When you do that, a graph for the selected currency will be shown. The graph can only be shown for a specific currency and not "all". The graph shows how the currency price has moved over time.
Editing a currency.
You use this window, when you add or edit currencies.
1) You choose the currency by using the "drop down" list.
2) You enter the date.
3) You enter the currency price.
Please note that the currency price entered must be for 100 of the foreign currency. Amateur Invest will automatically convert the prices, when it calculates profit/loss for the portfolio.
Ex. 1: if the base currency is USD (US Dollars), the GBP (British Pounds) price can be 140. This means that you'll have to pay 140 USD in order to get 100 GBP.
Ex. 2: if the base currency is USD (US Dollars), the EUR (EURO) price can be 125. This means that you'll have to pay 125 USD in order to get 100 EUR.
Portfolio.
Here you enter your own investments.
Securities can be selected from the ones that have been entered into the securities register / window.
The portfolio data window consist of an item list, and some buttons.
Just above the item list, you can see which portfolio you are currently using. You can have as many portfolios as you like, and you can switch between them in the admin. window - look under the heading "base database".
The item list.
The item list show a list of your securities - that is called your portfolio. Some basic information is shown, like the name, the type of investment, the number of securities, the price you gave, the latest price, if the latest price has gone up or down, and a calculation of your profit or loss for each investment.
The profit/loss calculation takes differences in currency exchange rates into consideration. That is, if you have investments in a foreign country, the profit/loss will be shown in your own "base currency". Please read more about setting a base currency, and about entering currency prices.
The profit/loss calculation for each investment also takes earnings and costs into account. You can adjust those values in the "Edit" window.
At the rightmost area of the item list, you can see an arrow marker. That marker will indicate if the price has gone up (up green arrow), gone down (down red arrow), or stayed the same (blue vertical arrow), since the last time prices were downloaded.
The summation at the bottom of the item list shows (from left to right):
1) the raw price you have paid (no costs are included),
2) the raw value with the latest prices (no earnings are included),
3) the calculated profit/loss (including costs and earnings),
4) the raw profit/loss (excluding costs and earnings), and
5) the raw profit/loss percentage.
By default, all live (active investments) are show in the item list. You can switch to other types of investments by using the drop down list in the top right hand corner.
If you click the right mouse button on a security in the item list, a popup menu will appear with some choices: 1) Select All - selects all visible items in the item list, makes it possible to eg. mass delete items. 2) Edit - Edit the currently selected portfolio item. 3) Delete - Deletes the currently selected items. 4) Go to Internet site - Starts internet browser, and goes to selected company's internet site. On the company's internet site, you can typically read about the latest accounts, as well as it's investor policies.
Choice list.
You can choose between having; active investments, sold investments, active pensions, sold pensions, or test security deals shown in the item list. Furthermore you can use the "Filter" button to filter items in the portfolio - for eg. tax purposes.
Information panel.
Under the choice list and just above the buttons, an information panel is shown. This panel works in combination with the finance calendar. If there is information in the finance calendar about the chosen security, the date and information will be shown in the panel. This only works in the registered version.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons.
These buttons are available:
Add (Buy)
- Add a new investment to your portfolio. See editing.
Sell
- You can sell all or part of your investment. See sell.
Edit
- Edit the currently selected investment. See editing.
Delete
- Delete the currently selected investment/investments. You can select multiple investments at once, to be deleted. Please make sure that a special selection marker is shown in the left side of the grid.
Filter
- Show only some of the investments, according to selection. See Filter.
Export
- Registered users can export the portfolio to a file. This is useful, if you wish to use the data in eg. a spreadsheet for tax purposes. The exported items adhere to the filter and current selection made.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the Portfolio Data window.
Navigation buttons.
Under the item list, you'll see some navigation buttons, that look like the buttons on a tape recorder. Along with the scroll bar on the right hand of the item list, you can use the navigation buttons to position the item marker in the item list.
Printer Icon.
If you push the printer icon, a report with all the portfolio information will be shown. The report is shown according to the choice you have made in the choice list; Live, Test or Sold securities. The report is shown on screen, and from there, you can select to have the report printed on paper. If you wish to see all trades at once, you can use the reports menu: portfolio.
Calculator Icon.
If you push the calculator icon (picture), you can do a simple "what-if" analysis on the currently selected security from your portfolio. See more under "simple what-if calculation" or "extended what-if calculations".
Registered users can select multiple lines in the item list (by holding down the <Ctrl> key, and using the mouse), and then use this button to get some summations for the selected securities. You get the total number of securities, and the average buy price. This information can be used to see, when you reach a break even price for several investments in the same security. The summation only makes sense, if you over time, several times have bought shares in the same security - you can then select those securities, and get the average buy price.
Summation Icon.
When you push this button, you can see your total fortune. This includes all your bank accounts, and all your securities. It is your net-worth amount if you could realize all your assets, right now.
Portfolio part Icon.
Registered users) can use this button to get a window, where it is shown, how much each investment in the portfolio, weigh. This is an advantage, if you only want individual trades/securities taking up a certain percentage of your total portfolio. You get a "pie" or "bar" chart that shows an overview of the investments. The percentage shown is calculated from the latest prices including currency rates. In the portfolio parts window, you can switch between the 2 types of diagrams.
Simple "What-if" calculation.
In the window in which you see your portfolio, you have a choice to select one of the securities from your portfolio.
A new window is shown, and in it, you can enter an imaginary price, and have the value of the security calculated, as if the security had the price you entered.
You simply enter the price in the window that pops up, press the "calculate" button, and the value will then be shown, together with a calculated profit/loss value.
If the currently selected security from the portfolio, is traded in a foreign currency, the price entered should be the price in the local currency. Another field will become visible, at in that field, the currency exchange rate can be entered. If there are known currency rates for the country, the latest rate will be shown in the field. The profit/loss calculation will then automatically show the result in you own base currency.
This simple "what-if" calculation can be accompanied by the extended "what-if" calculation, that is a part of the "Alarms & Watches" section of Amateur Invest. See more about extended "What-if" here.
Simulation
Enter two of three values, and get the third calculated for you.
Eg. enter a buy price for each share and a sum, push the calculate button, and get the quantity calculated for you. Push the Transfer button, and have the quantity transferred to the right field in the buy window.
Sell.
In this window, you can record the selling of all or part of an investment.
Before recording the sale from this window, please make sure that the fields "Costs" and "Earnings" are set correctly in the portfolio edit window.
FIFO.
Please note, that if you have bought the same kind of securities (on different dates), it is usually a rule, that you should sell the securities you bought first. This principle is called FIFO - First In First Out.
Amateur Invest checks if the securities you wish to sell are the first of its kind. If it's not, you'll see a warning. You can choose to bypass this warning, if you like.
Example of sale.
Say you at one time has bought 75 stocks in a company. Now some time later, you sell 25 of them, or all 75 of them. You use this window to enter the quantity of stock you sold, at what price, and at what time.
If you sell all of the stocks (eg. 75 in the example above), that investment will no longer be part of your active portfolio. They will show in the "sold" portfolio, until you delete them.
If you only sell a part of the stocks (eg. 25 in the example above), then the remaining part (50) will be in your active portfolio, and the other (25) will show in the "sold" portfolio, until you delete them.
This makes it possible for you to keep records for eg. tax purposes, and reports can show either active, test or sold portfolios, when you print from the portfolio window.
Fields.
These fields should be used:
Quantity sold
The number of securities you have sold. (Please note that in case of "short selling" the quantity should be negative).
Price
The price at which you sold the securities.
Currency rate
If you have bought securities from another country, you can enter the currency exchange rate in this field. The exchange rate is quoted for 100 of the countries currency. Example: You live in the us, and buy shares in an European company - the exchange rate for 100 EUR (Euro) is 125 USD. So you enter 125. Or you buy shares in a Canadian company - the exchange rate for 100 CAD (Canadian dollar) is 80 USD, so you write 80. Look in the "Bank" menu and start the "Currency" window to see exchange rates from different countries.
Date
The date for the sale.
Buy cost / Sell cost
The costs that you had to pay eg. your broker for the transaction.
Account
If you specify an account, then a transaction with the amount will be created.
Buttons.
You can use these buttons:
Help
- This help page.
Cancel
- Disregard any changes made. Do record any sale.
OK
- Accept the input and save the data from the fields you have entered. The deal will be recorded.
Editing Portfolio Data.
The window for entering new or editing existing portfolio data, contains these fields and buttons:
Buttons.
You can use the <tabulator> key or the mouse to move between the different fields.
These buttons apply:
Printer icon
A small printer speed button on the button left side, makes it possible for you to print out the content of the window.
Help
- This help page.
Cancel
- Disregard any changes made. Do not add or edit any data.
OK
- Accept the input and save the data from the fields you have changed.
Keys.
Along with the usual keys to navigate within the window, you can also use the Up and Down arrow keys when you are in the "date bought" field.
Fields.
These fields makes it possible to enter different kinds of information about the security in your portfolio:
Name:
The security name. Please note, that the list comes from the list of securities that has been created in the securities window. So first you create a security in the security window, then you'll be able to add it to your portfolio.
Live deal:
This can be used to check weather this is a live deal or just a test deal. If you have the nerves, you can enter test deals, and follow their progress.
Date bought:
The exact date you bought the shares.
Number bought:
The number of shares you bought. It is possible to enter a positive number or a negative number (in case of "short selling").
Price each:
The price you paid per share. (In local currency)*.
Costs:
The price you paid for the transaction (buy/sell), eg. broker/bank fee, commissions, etc. Put in the total figure in this field. - It will be deducted from the security value, since it is an expense that has to be calculated into your winnings/loses. (In base currency)*. Before a final sale of the securities, you can add the selling costs to this field, so that these costs are calculated into the summation of sold securities.
Exchange rate:
If you have bought securities from another country, you can enter the currency exchange rate in this field. The exchange rate is quoted for 100 of the countries currency. Example: You live in the us, and buy shares in an European company - the exchange rate for 100 EUR (Euro) is 125 USD. So you enter 125. Or you buy shares in a Canadian company - the exchange rate for 100 CAD (Canadian dollar) is 80 USD, so you write 80. Look in the "Bank" menu and start the "Currency" window to see exchange rates from different countries.
Earnings:
This is where you put everything you earn on the security, eg. dividend. Put in the total figure in this field, and update it each time you get a positive result from your investment. - It will be added to the security value, since it is income, that has to be calculated into your winnings/loses. (In base currency)*. Before a final sale of the securities, you can set this field to 0, so that the earnings isn't calculated into the summation of sold securities.
Account:
If you specify an account, then a transaction with the amount, will be created.
Stop loss:
Here you enter the price, at which you will like to stop your loss. Eg. you have bought some shares at 200, and decide that you do not want to loose more than 50. So you enter 150 in this field. In the stop loss/profit window, you'll get an alarm if the price drops to 150 - and at that point you should review your investment - do you still want to keep the shares or should you sell them to minimize your loses.
Stop profit:
Here you enter the price, at which you will like to stop your profit. This is the reverse of stop loss. Eg. here you set a price of 250 (because you wish to earn at least 50). Again in the stop loss/profit window, you'll get an alarm if the price goes up to 250 - and you should review your investment - do you think the price will continue to go up, or has it reached it's peak.
Investment type:
Is this for pension savings or is it an ordinary speculative investment.
Alternate type:
Here you can select alternate investment types. This is so that you can calculate if the investment was better or worse than an alternate investment. Eg. you could have placed the money in the bank to 2% interest rate, so you enter "rate" in this field.
Alternate amount:
This relates to the alternate type above. In the example given there, you would enter 2 in this field, for 2%.
Owner:
Who owns the security.
Investment ID:
Here you can enter your own identification of a trade. This make it possible to follow trades that are linked to each other and to have a link to your paper trading bill.
Calculation price and Calculation date:
This is the last date and price that has been imported / updated. They are exposed here, in case you wish to adjust the price that is used when calculating the value of your portfolio. - Say if you wish to store the value of the portfolio at a certain point in time. The fields are updated automatically the next time prices are updated - SO YOU DO NOT need to update them manually unless you wish to override the last prices, eg. for tax purposes.
Sell info:
If the portfolio item has been sold, you'll also be able to see that information.
Note:
Please notice, that you are not allowed to enter a stop loss setting, that is higher than the stop profit setting. That wouldn't make any sense.
The same is true for a stop loss setting that is higher or equal to the price you paid, and/or a stop profit setting that is lower or equal to the price you paid.
Always set a stop loss price that is lower than what you have paid, and a stop profit price that is higher than what you have paid.
*Currency remarks:
Amateur Invest can calculate profit/loss in a "base currency" even if you have bought securities in foreign companies. In order for this to work, you must enter the price at which you have bought securities, in the local currency. On the other hand, all expenses and transaction costs, you must enter in your own base currency.
Ex.: I live in the US and buy stocks in a British company. The prices is 10 GBP per share. I therefore write 10 in the price field. The transaction cost is 20 USD, so I write that (20) in the field for transactions costs. Finally, after some time, a dividend for 150 USD is paid, so the 150 is entered into the transaction amount field. Amateur Invest will calculate profit/loss by looking at the original price times the original currency rate and from that deduct the original price times the latest currency rate.
Securities.
Here you add and find the basic data for securities. Securities can be stock/shares, mutual investment companies, options and bonds. The settings here makes it possible to download prices automatically. This includes the company name / equity name, the stock size, what the company does, and key financial information.
This is the base, and starting point of Amateur Invest. You have to enter the basic data, before other parts of the program makes any sense.
It is as easy as 1-2-3:
1: Enter a name.
2: Enter an import id code. Read more here.
3: You can have prices updated automatically and add the security to your portfolio if you wish.
NB: In the Import/Export window and in the Import check window, you can also import more predefined securities. See also: setup securities on line demo and find import id's.
The security data window consist of an item list, and some buttons.
The item list.
The item list shows the list of securities that have been created. Some basic information is shown, like the name, the business category, the native country (and thus exchange) the security originates from, the stock size, the latest price and date, and finally an arrow marker..
At the leftmost area of the item list, you'll see a marker. If the security is on your observation list (special interest) it will have a !, next to it. If the security is in your portfolio, it will have a P, next to it.
At the rightmost area of the item list, you can see an arrow marker. That marker will indicate if the price has gone up (up green arrow), gone down (down red arrow), or stayed the same (blue vertical arrow), since the last time prices were downloaded.
If you click on the headline above the list, for Name, Category or Country, you can change the sort order. One click on a headline will make that into the current selected ascending sort order in, one click more on the same headline, will change to descending sort order. The sort order you choose will be remembered, so the next time you enter the securities window, you'll see the data in the chosen sort order.
If you click on a security with the right mouse button, a pop-up menu will give you some extra choices: 1) Choose all - Selects all the visible elements in the list, after a filter has been set. This makes it possible to easily delete securities from a specific country. 2) Edit - edit the chosen security. 3) Delete - deletes the selected elements. 4) Go to internet site - Starts an internet browser and goes to the company internet site, where you usually can see investor relations information and the latest accounts.
Information panel.
Under the choice list and just above all the buttons, an information panel is shown. This panel works together with the finance calender. If there is information in the finance calender about the chosen security, for registered users, the date and the information will be shown in the panel.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons.
These buttons apply in the securities window:
Filter:
You can select to only view some countries. Choose the country to view. This can also be used if you wish to delete unwanted countries: 1) Choose a country, 2) Right mouse click on the list, 3) Choose "Select all", 4) Push the delete button, 5) Answer "Yes" to have associated prices deleted.
Sort:
Besides clicking on the headline area of the list, you can use this function to change the sort order. A + means ascending order, and a - means descending order.
Add
- Add a new security. See editing.
Edit
- Edit the currently selected security. See editing.
Delete
- Delete the currently selected security. It is possible to select multiple securities at once. This is done by using the normal windows key/mouse combinations. Be sure, that the item is selected (shown by a special marker in the left side of the grid). You are asked if you wish to delete all the prices that might have been entered for the security. You can also go to administrative tools, and from there delete all the prices, and then go here and remove the security. The process will also be stopped, if a security is found to be in your portfolio.
Find
- Enter all or part of a name to find. You can use a * at the end to find matching names. The find function is case insensitive. Set check mark to find from beginning or next.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the window.
Navigation buttons.
Under the item list, you'll see some navigation buttons, that look like the buttons on a tape recorder. Along with the scroll bar on the right hand of the item list, you can use the navigation buttons to position the item marker in the item list.
Printer Icon.
If you push the printer icon, a report with all the information will be shown. The view is shown on screen, and from the view, you can select to have the report printed on paper.
More information.
More information about setting up securities can be found on the internet site. Here you can find information about the codes needed to do automatic download of prices ( www.amateur-invest.com/us_faq.htm
) as well as information about how to do stock splits ( www.amateur-invest.com/us_howto.htm
), and much more.
Editing Security Data.
The window for entering new or editing existing data, contains these fields and buttons - please note that the important ones are the "Name" and "Import ID" fields:
It is as easy as 1-2-3:
1: Enter a name.
2: Enter an import id code. Read more here.
3. Check the country and currency settings.
See further below for more information about the import id code.
Buttons.
You can use the <tabulator> key or the mouse to move between the different fields.These buttons apply in the add/edit window:
Printer icon
A small printer speed button on the button left side, makes it possible for you to print out the content of the window.
Help
- This help page.
Cancel
- Aborts any changes made to the current security.
OK
- Accepts the data for the security.
Fields.
These fields makes it possible to enter different kinds of information about the securities:
Name:
The name of the security; share, bond, etc. The name must be unique within the first 10 letters - that means for example that safeinvest xxx and safeinvest yyy would create an error (since the first 10 letters are the same) - in that case you could use abbreviations instead - safeinv xxx and safeinv yyy. Also the name cannot contain an apostrophe ( ' ).
Internet Address:
Although there is no header for this field, there is room to enter a WWW internet address (that becomes blue). By double clicking on the name, your internet browser will be loaded, and you will be pointed to the company home page. Usually a company home page contain the latest financial news, and can give you an idea about the company products. You can use that in the security listing window, where you can right click on a security, and select "Go to" from the menu that appears.
Special interest:
A check mark in this field indicates if a special marker (!) is shown next to the security in the security listing. It might also be used in other places so that you can select only the securities in which you have special interest.
Category:
The business sector the company operates in.
Risk:
An assessment of the risk of the security.
Prefer:
Grouping the securities in different groups, makes it possible to control how prices can be entered. See Prices & Info, Group Add.
Size:
The stock size, telling the amount of the company that one share in the company represents.
Country:
The main country of business, and usually where the security is also registered to an exchange.
Currency:
The currency that all amounts about the security is dealt in.
Last meeting:
The date of the last shareholders meeting.
Last dividend:
How much was paid to shareholders for each share.
Price/Earning:
A calculation of the latest price, divided by the latest reported earnings of the company. One of four key values.
Earnings per share:
Popular key value, showing how good the company is at making value for their share holders.
Price/Book ratio:
A calculation of the latest price, divided by the assets of the company. If this number is 1, the price is equal to the book value of the company. A number higher than 1, tells us that the stock market estimates, that the company has hidden values, a future growth potential and/or a strong leadership.
Beta:
A key value, that shows, how much the stock rise or fall compared to the general index. A number of 1 shows that the stock rise and fall by the exact same points as the overall index. A number of 1.5 show that a rise or fall by 1 in the general index will mean a rise or fall by 1.5 in the company stock value. A number of 0.5 shows that a rise or fall by 1 in the general index will mean a rise or fall by 0.5 in the company stock value. So this is an indicator of the company stock volatility.
ID exchange:
An alternative security identifier. This could be a security exchange number.
ID import:
A security identifier. This could be an ID that is used when downloading from other sources than the Amateur Invest site. The ID is currently set to the ones used by Yahoo. The ID can be found on different national Yahoo sites, where you under the finance section can seek out security names and find their ID. For example Microsoft can be found on the US site as MSFT, and Carlsberg can be found on the Danish Yahoo site with the ID: CARL-B.CO - where .CO stands for Copenhagen. Similar ID's can be found for most securities, in the countries where the securities belong. Another example is given here. Please also see setting up a definition and administrative setup.
Information:
This is a free text field, in which you can enter information of your own choice. Usually it is filled with information about the security; which business(es) it is in, what the products are, whom the leadership is, and who owns the most securities, etc.
Prices & Info.
Here you enter prices for different securities on different dates. Or you can enter information about securities on specific dates.
The prices part gives you the possibility to see trends over time. The information part might be used to explain sudden rises or falls in prices.
Item list:
The item list is placed in the center of the window, showing all the prices or information, according to the filter that is set. On the right hand side of the item list, you can scroll through the items with the mouse.
Selector:
The small selector to the left of the item list, in the top left hand corner of the window, makes it possible for you to select if prices or information is to be shown in the item list.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons:
Buttons on the right side of the item list and the window, have these meanings:
Add
- Add one new price or information item. See editing.
Edit
- Edit the currently selected item. See editing.
Delete
- Delete the currently selected item.
Group Add
- Adds several prices according to selection. See Group Add.
Filter
- Show only a portion of the items, according to selection. See Filter.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the Price & Info window.
Icons.
Icons on the left side of the item list have these meanings:
i - info icon
- Gives a status over the number of items in the database.
Printer icon
- If you push the printer icon, a report with the selected information will be shown. Please note, that the information is shown according to the state of the selector, and the current filter setting. The report is shown on screen, and from the window, you can select to have the report printed on paper.
Navigation Buttons.
Buttons on the bottom of the window, works like the buttons on a tape recorder. That is, you can move forward and backward, or go directly to the top or the bottom of the item list.
Editing Prices & Info.
Appending or editing prices and info is almost identical, so they are explained together here.
For both of them, you first select the security name, that the price or the information relates to. And you select the date for the price or the information.
The last field depends on the type:
Editing Prices:
In the last field you enter the price for the particular security and date. You can enter the number with decimal points, etc.
If the date is older than or equal to the date for which prices were last updated, and the security is in your portfolio, then the portfolio value will be updated.
Editing Information:
In the last field you enter the information for the particular security and date.
This is used to explain ups and downs in prices for the security. The information is shown as a blue marker in the graphics window.
Buttons:
You can use the <tabulator> key or the mouse to move between the different fields
These buttons apply:
Help
- This page here.
Cancel
- Disregard any changes made. Do not add or edit any data.
Ok
- Accept the input and save the data from the fields you have changed.
Group Add.
The group add function let you add several prices at one time. This makes it easier for you to update prices for securities on a particular day.
How to.
You first pick the date for which you wish to enter the prices.
You then select the group identifier for the securities, that you wish to enter prices for. The group identifier is the number you enter, when you create securities.
Or you choose the country/exchange, that you wish to enter prices for. Again, this matches what has been entered when a security was created (see above).
It should be mentioned, that the two settings: group identifier and country/exchange, complement each other. You can for example choose a group, where no securities has been entered, and then choose a country/exchange. Then only the securities that belong to the given country/exchange will be shown. You can also choose a group, where there are securities, and then a country/exchange. Then both the securities that belong to the group and the country/exchange will be shown.
Finally you push the Add button, and all the securities, that match your group selection or country/exchange will be added to an item list on the left side of the window.
You can then enter all the prices for that day, and when you are done, you can push the OK button, and all prices are entered into the Prices & Info database, and your portfolio values are updated if applicable.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons:
These buttons are in the group add window:
Add
- After you have entered the date and the group identifier and/or the country/exchange, you push the add button, and all the selected securities will be added to the item list.
Help
- This help page.
Cancel
- Aborts the group add function. No data is added.
OK
- Updates the prices with the items found on the item list.
Item list
Once you have selected the date and the group identifier and/or the country/exchange, and pushed the Add button, a list of securities are shown in an item list.
The item list is where you enter the prices for all the securities shown.
You simply type in the prices in the appropriate area, and use the up and down arrows on the keyboard to move up and down between securities.
If a security is in the item list, and you do not want it there, you can push the <Ctrl> and the <Delete> buttons (at the same time), and the security will be removed from the item list.
Hints & Ideas.
The hints & ideas database is used to store different investment strategies, etc.
In a central place, you can add good ideas and hints, that you could use, when you invest your money.
On the main hints & Ideas screen, you see an item list of the different hints & ideas. And you see some buttons.
Item list:
The item list has a type column and a keyword column.
The type column, is used to group the different hints and ideas together. This could be types like "Strategy" hints, "Rules", etc.
The keyword column, show a brief headline, that describes the actual hint or idea.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons:
You also have these buttons available:
Add
- Adds another hint & Idea to the database. See Editing, for more information.
Edit
- Edits the current hint & idea. The same can be achieved by double clicking on an entry in the list. See Editing, for more information.
Delete
- Deletes the currently selected hint & idea item.
Navigation buttons.
Under the item list, you'll see some navigation buttons, that look like the buttons on a tape recorder. Along with the scroll bar on the right hand of the item list, you can use the navigation buttons to position the item marker in the item list.
Printer Icon.
If you push the printer icon, a report with all the hints & ideas will be shown. The view is shown on screen, and from the view, you can select to have the report printed on paper.
Editing Hints & Ideas.
The editing window:
If you add or edit an entry, you get into a screen, where you can enter a type category, and keywords, as mentioned in the Hints & Ideas section.
Then you can add the actual hint & idea text, in the free text area, that is shown on the screen.
Graphics.
On this graphics page, you can see how the individual securities have performed over time. And you can get information that might explain rise and falls in prices.
The chart window; the x- and y axis.
On one axis you'll see the prices and on the other axis you'll see the different dates. The actual prices are shown as red dots, and they correspond to the input that has been made in Prices & Info. The dots are connected with lines to show trends between the actual prices.
This makes it possible for you to see the variations over time, and perhaps pick the right time to either buy or sell.
If you keep the mouse positioned over one of the red dots, it will turn into a pointing hand. By clicking the mouse button over such a spot, the actual price will be shown.
The chart window; additional information.
On the bottom part of the screen (the date axis) there might be shown a blue pointer. This is an indicator, that information for that specific security exist for a given date. If you move (with the mouse) to the blue pointer, the arrow on the screen will change to a pointing hand. Clicking the mouse will bring up the detailed information about the security. This might explain sudden changes in prices.
The chart window; zoom with left mouse button.
You can also select a certain part of the prices and dates (zoom) by moving the mouse to a location, push the left mouse button and while holding the button down, move to another place. This will create a square, and when you release the mouse button, the graphics area will be zoomed to the selected prices and dates.
By pressing the "unzoom" button on the screen, all prices and dates are shown for the security again.
The chart window; move with right mouse button.
In the chart part of the window, you can also move the axis around. This is done by holding down the right mouse button, while moving the mouse. You'll then see the chart move within the chart window.
Selecting between securities.
You can select between securities to be shown, in the upper right hand corner - simply choose from the drop down list by clicking on its right side, and choose by clicking on the name, or you can use the navigation buttons located just under the drop down list. They work just like the buttons on a tape recorder.
Buttons:
Aside from the Help and Close buttons (which should be self explanatory), these buttons appear in the window:
Unzoom
Resets the chart to its original coordinates (in case you have moved the chart or selected a part of the chart to be shown).
Setup (graph icon)
A small window is shown. Here you can specify a starting date. Information in the graphics window will the be shown starting from the date you specify. - The other information will still be available by scrolling the chart window with the mouse, as mentioned above. The date you set, will be remembered, until you clear it.
Diskette icon
If you click this icon, you can save content of the graphics window to a bitmap file. You can then import it into many other programs, eg. for reports, presentations, etc.
Printer icon
Prints the window to your default windows printer.
Reports.
The reports section, is a way for you to get data out of the program again. Often it provides a better view of the data, than just the raw data, that you have entered.
You can choose between the following reports:
Bank Portfolio
Inv. Portfolio
Security Data
Prices & Info
Hints & Ideas
User defined
You can either print the report directly to a printer, or you can view the report on screen first.
Design button.
The design button, can be used to design user defined reports. Please see the tools menu item for more about designing user defined reports.
Viewing on screen.
Each report work in the same way, just showing different kinds of information.
You can use the mouse or the keyboard to scroll between the different pages. You can select to print the report to a printer or save the report to a file. By saving the report to a file, you have the possibility to reload it at a later time, and compare numbers to more recent ones.
Choose your own logo.
Registered users has the possibility to have their own logo shown in reports. You accomplish this by making a bitmap (BMP) file in your favorite drawing program, and placing it in the directory, where the Amateur Invest main program file (invest.exe) is placed. There is room on each report for a 50x100 logo. The file has to have the name: INV_LOGO.BMP
Report: Bank portfolio.
This report show all the bank accounts, and for each account is shown all the transactions, and the sums, that those transactions result in.
Reports: Portfolio.
This report show you information about your portfolio. Dates and quantities, together with the latest known value of your portfolio.
Please note, that all deals; Live, Test and Sold, are shown in this report. If you wish to see them separately, you have to go to the portfolio window, and push the printer icon from there. This will bring up a report with only the chosen items.
At the bottom of the report, totals are shown. The totals are calculated from the latest prices, so that you can see, how much all together you have paid for your securities, and how much they are worth after the latest price update. Finally the sum for profit/loss is shown also. In all these calculations, differences in currencies are taken into account - all the totals are calculated in the base currency, you have selected in the Administration window.
Reports: Security data.
The security data report shows all the basic security data, along with the various financial information about the security. If there is any other general information entered in free text format about the security, that will also be shown.
Reports: Prices & Info.
This report shows a listing of both prices & information.
You can select to show prices & info for all securities or prices & information that falls within certain dates and/or a specific security name.
Reports: Hints & Ideas.
This report lists the different Hints & Ideas that have been entered.
Reports: User defined.
User defined reports, are reports made with a tool for report design.
If there are any user defined reports, they will be available in the drop down list shown below this radio button in the report window. You just select this radio button and choose the report you wish to see.
Alarm / Watches.
The alarms / watches pages is where you see, how your investments are doing.
In the window that is placed within the main window of Amateur Invest, you can also select between the alarms. And a scrolling stock ticker is shown - it can be turned on/off from the Admin. window. Each time new prices are downloaded, the stock ticker is updated. A + next to the price means the price has gone up since last, and a - down. By changing the size of the Amateur Invest window, you can have the stock ticker shown on screen all the time, while you are running other programs.
If you wish to have a scrolling stock ticker on the screen, you can minimize the Amateur Invest window, so that it just shows the scrolling prices. If you also set Amateur Invest to retrieve prices with a given interval, you be able to continually see the prices, while you are doing other things on your computer.
These are the ways to watch your investments and bank accounts:
Bank Accounts.
Cash Flow
Interest Prices
Net Worth
Investments.
Investment Advisor
Technical Analysis
Stop Loss / Profit
Compare to other
Compare many
Finance calendar
Top 10
Hi's & Lo's
What-if?
Limits
Advice
You simply select the category of watch or alarm, that you wish to have displayed, and push the OK button.
Interest Rates.
On the bank interest rates page, you can calculate the interest that you should receive and pay for your bank accounts.
You select the account, then the dates, for which the interest is to be calculated. This could for example be from January 1st. in one year, until January 1st. in the next year. That'll give you the interest rates for that particular year.
Then you choose to either get the result direct on the interest page, or you may wish to view the result in report format, with all the transactions, and individual interest rates.
Please note, that in order for the calculations to work correctly, the amounts, interest rates and intervals have to have been entered according to the rules explained in adding/editing transactions.
Buttons.
These buttons apply in the interest rates window:
Go
- Calculate the interest for the account entered and the dates selected. The result is shown directly in the interest rates window.
View
- Calculate the interest for the account entered and the dates selected. The result is shown on a report on the screen. From there you can choose to print the report to a printer. The report contain all transactions with the interest calculated both individually and as a sum.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the interest rates window.
Fields.
These fields have to be filled by you:
Account
The account number of the account for which you wish to calculate interests.
Date 1
The first date for which you wish to start the calculations.
Date 2
The last date for which you wish to end the calculations.
Example.
You enter your account number 1234-4567-7890. And you select as date 1; 01-01-2001, and as date 2; 12-31-2001. This will calculate the interest for all of the year of 2001, when you either push the Go or the View button.
Note.
Please note, that the interest calculations cannot go beyond 1 year. Banks calculate interest at least once a year.
Cash Flow.
The Cash Flow page, shows you the development of the money transactions you have on your bank accounts.
The chart window; the x- and y axis.
On one axis you'll see the money transactions and on the other axis you'll see the different dates for those transactions.
This makes it possible for you to see the variations over time, and perhaps avoid suddenly owing money to the bank, and thus avoid having to pay interest rates.
The chart window; zoom with left mouse button.
You can also select a certain part of the money and dates (zoom) by moving the mouse to a location, push the left mouse button and while holding the button down, move to another place. This will create a square, and when you release the mouse button, the graphics area will be zoomed to the selected money and dates.
By pressing the "unzoom" button on the screen, all money transactions and dates are shown for the account again.
The chart window; move with right mouse button.
In the chart part of the window, you can also move the axis around. This is done by holding down the right mouse button, while moving the mouse. You'll then see the chart move within the chart window.
Selecting between accounts.
You can select between accounts to be shown, in the upper right hand corner - simply choose from the drop down list by clicking on its right side, and choose by clicking on the account number.
Buttons:
Aside from the Help and Close buttons (which should be self explanatory), these buttons appear in the window:
Unzoom
Resets the chart to its original coordinates (in case you have moved the chart or selected a part of the chart to be shown).
Setup (graph icon)
A small window is shown. Here you can specify a starting date. Information in the graphics window will the be shown starting from the date you specify. - The other information will still be available by scrolling the chart window with the mouse, as mentioned above.
Diskette icon
If you click on this icon, you can save content of the graphics window to a bitmap file. You can then import it into many other programs, e.g. for reports, presentations, etc.
Printer icon
Prints the window to your default windows printer.
Net Worth.
In the net worth window, you'll get a summation of all the assets that have been entered. The summation is done on all the bank accounts and the portfolio, separately, and all together.
Technical Analysis.
Basically there are 2 different approaches/tools to evaluate which securities are worth investing in.
One approach is the "fundamental"-analysis, where you look a company's accounting, it's key economy indicators, it's leadership, products, competitors and future prospects.
The other approach is the technical analysis, the study of prices shown in diagrams. In the technical analysis, it is assumed, that the current prices reflects all known information about the company in the market.
In this section of Amateur Invest you can have certain technical analysis' shown.
The chart window.
In the diagram window, 2 lines are shown. One is a black line, this is the actual prices, and one is an orange line, this is the technical line.
This makes it possible for you to see variations over time, and perhaps choose the right moment to either buy or sell.
The chart window; zoom with left mouse button.
You can also select a certain part of the prices and dates (zoom) by moving the mouse to a location, push the left mouse button and while holding the button down, move to another place. This will create a square, and when you release the mouse button, the graphics area will be zoomed to the selected prices and dates.
By pressing the "unzoom" button on the screen, all prices and dates are shown for the security again.
Selecting between securities.
You can select between securities to be shown, in the upper right hand corner - simply choose from the drop down list by clicking on its right side, and choose by clicking on the name.
Or you can use the navigation buttons located just under the drop down list. They work just like the buttons on a tape recorder.
Selecting between Technical analysis'.
Below the box, where you can select different securities, there's a similar button for choosing between various types of technical analysis'. The different kinds of technical analysis' are explained in more depth here further below, under the heading; "Further explanations about technical analysis'".
Selecting between period length.
Below the box, where you select which technical analysis to have shown, you can also select the period length. Technical analysis' are typically calculated over certain period length. When you choose a period length, it means, that the calculation is done with the latest prices, beginning with the start of the period specified.
Selecting sensitivity.
The sensitivity can also be adjusted. Sensitivity means the number of periods that should be considered when doing the calculation. 2 is looking 2 prices back for the calculation. 10 is looking back for the latest 10 prices, and taking them all into account before doing the calculation.
Buttons:
Besides the Help and Close buttons (which should be self explanatory), the following buttons appear in the window:
Unzoom
Resets the chart to its original coordinates (in case you have moved the chart or selected a part of the chart to be shown).
Diskette icon
If you click this icon, you can save content of the graphics window to a bitmap file. You can then import it into many other programs, eg. for reports, presentations, etc.
Printer icon
Prints the window to your default windows printer.
Further explanations about technical analysis'.
Here, a more in-depth explanation about the various technical analysis' is given. Please note that only choice 1 is available, if you are not a registered user of Amateur Invest.
Please remember, that in some cases, where the technical line only seems to go up and down a little bit, compared to the price, you can select a part of the graph to be shown, by using the mouse - look further above, to see how you can use the "Zoom"-function.
Error types:
You can encounter an error message, if a calculation is tried, and there are not enough periods. Please try to lower the amount of periods in such cases.
Choices:
1) Momentum.
Momentum is the difference in prices over the period chosen. Momentum is the current price minus the price of n days ago. The momentum line can behave in the following ways: A) when the line is above zero: a rising line means an up trend is getting stronger, a level line means the up trend is holding steady, and a falling line means the up trend is fading. And B) when the line is below zero: a falling line means the downtrend is getting stronger, a level line means the downtrend is holding steady, and a rising line means the downtrend is fading.
2) Momentum Division.
This is like the momentum calculation, but 100 based.
3) Simple Moving Average, SMA.
Moving average is the most often used technical indicator. It shows the average value of prices over a given period. SMA uses an equal distributed weight of all prices that is used in the calculation.
The most popular interpretation of moving average, is to compare the price to it's own moving average. When the price breaks through it's own SMA, it is a buy signal, and when the price drops below it's SMA, it is a sell signal.
The typical period length are 10-50 (short sighted), 50-100 (medium sighted) and above 100 (long term).
4) Weighed Moving Average, WMA.
WMA puts more value to the latest prices. Since WMA gives more weight to the latest prices, it responds faster than SMA, where all prices are weighed equal.
5) Exponential Moving Average, EMA.
Uses an exponential calculation on the moving average. This is believed to be more accurate.
6) Trend.
This shows a trend line for the period chosen. A trend is a rough average, showing the general way the prices are going.
7) Exponential trend.
Uses an exponential calculation on the trend.
8) Relative Stock Index, RSI.
RSI is a so called oscillator, where the value goes between 0 and 100. RSI is calculated over a number of periods, where the most used are 10 periods for short term investments and 25 periods for long term.
Normally a RSI-value under 40, means that the stock is oversold, and a value above 80, that the stock is overbought. Other sources say 30/70 or 20/80.
Some of the investors that use RSI, often also use a simple moving average on top of RSI, partly to smooth out big fluctuations, and partly to confirm a certain trend, when the RSI line crosses it's own moving average.
Investment Advisor.
The investment advisor window, gives you a range of tools, that makes it possible to find investment opportunities.
Prices can be analyzed in a number of different ways. Thus the investment advisor can give you some investment ideas, but it is still up to you yourself, to make the decision to buy or sell.
The investment advisor is only available to registered users.
Analysor types:
Luck
Some say that investment are purely luck. Here you can enter a number of your own, and via a random function in your computer, have some securities picked for you.
High / Low
Some investors believe, that a security is worth buying or selling if the price reach its high or low for a given period. For example some believe that they should buy stocks in a company, when the price reach its 52 week high, or when it is close to it's 26 week high.
%+ / %-
Percent wise increase or decrease for a given period. Some investors believe that if a security has risen 10% within the last 3 month, then it is worth looking at - or if a security has fallen for 10%.
Volatility
Here you see investments, that has the most or the least variance for a given period. That is the investments that has the highest or lowest difference between hi's and lo's. This could indicate if an investment is "dangerous" or "exciting" to invest in, or if it is relatively safe. You can select to see the top 10 with highest or lowest volatility.
Weekday / Day
Does a certain security always go up on a Monday, or always on the second day of the month? With these functions you can get the answer.
Month compare
This let you see, if a security is always rising in a certain month. Say you go back 3 years - then you want to see which securities are always rising in price in June. - This could be because of seasonal increases in earnings for a company, and this could indicate, that the security will rise again next year at the same time. The information on the line can be read as: The number of year back there is available information for, the first year, the number of ups, and the number of downs. Say the information shown is 4, 2000, 2/0 - this means that the first year is 2000 and there is information to say that there has been 2 ups and 0 downs for the chosen month.
All up / All dwn
This let you examine if a security has a consecutive straight line of rises or falls in price. Some people believe that if a security has risen the last 5 times in a row, it will continue to rise for a while, and it is time to buy.
x up x dwn / x dwn x up
These types of analysis' are used, if you would like to see if a security has gone up for a straight number of times and then down, forming a break in a trend. For example if you see 5 consecutive rises and the one fall in price, you might want to sell - or the opposite, 5 straight fall followed by 1 rise in price, you might want to buy.
How to:
You can use the functions here in the analysor to see which securities fulfill the goal you set up.
You set the Analysor type you wish, and the frequency. For the high/low functions you can also set a tolerance. Then you hit the "Analyze" button.
The results (the securities that match your criteria) will show up in the text area of the window.
Stop Loss / Profit.
On this page you'll get to know if your investments has passed the stop loss or stop profit points.
When you make your original investment, and enter it into the portfolio database, there are two fields for entering stop loss and stop profit values. These values can be watched in this window.
The search only includes live investments, not test- or sold deals.
Main listing.
A big listing is shown in the window. If you have any security that have passed through your stop loss or stop profit setting, these securities will show up in the listing. You'll be told if it is a stop loss or stop profit signal. You'll get the name of the security, and you'll get the stop value, and the current value.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons.
These buttons are available:
Graph (Icon)
- Makes it possible to view the stop loss / stop profit setting graphically. When you push this button, a graph is shown. The graph will show a blue bar for the original price you gave per share. Behind it, will be a red bar if the current price is below your stop loss setting or a green bar, if the current price is above your stop profit setting. Shares that are moving within your stop loss / profit settings are not shown.
Print (icon)
- Prints the stop loss / stop profit item listing to a printer.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the stop loss / profit window.
Use the mouse or the keyboard to move up and down in the item listing.
Compare to other.
The compare to other window consist of 2 parts. You can switch between the two, by clicking on the folders on the top left part of the window.
1) The simple compare to other graph, where you can select 2 securities. The prices will be shown and you can then compare the two to each other.
2) The compare to index graph, where you can see the performance of your portfolio against any other index you would like.
Click on each of the lines above to lean more.
Compare to index.
This is a window that also contains a lot of useful information.
Primarily, it makes it possible to compare your own portfolio, to a base index of your choice. This gives you an idea of how your investments are doing, compared to the rest of the market. Are you doing better or worse?
The search only includes live investments, not test- or sold deals.
Secondly, registered users have the possibility to see how hole industries are performing. This is useful, if you wish to invest in a certain industry. You Choose this function with the radio button on the right side of the window.
How to:
In the top right hand corner of the window, you choose the base index (or base industry). This can be a company or one of the many indexes that exist, like Dow Jones, London's FT-100 or the German DAX index. - You then choose the date that the index should be considered to be at 100.
Lines:
The blue line is then the base index from the date chosen, and the red line is all of your portfolio from the date chosen.
Fair comparisons:
To see the total development of your portfolio, you should select the first date as the day that you bought your first share. Make sure that you have data (prices) for all the time since then. This will show the ups and downs of your investments next to the market development.
Further information:
If you press the "View" button, you'll be shown the development of your investments on a report. You'll see profit and loss for each of the dates that there are prices for.
Fields:
These fields can be filled by you:
Base Index:
This is the index that you wish to measure your portfolio against. You can either select one security or another predefined index, according to what is entered into the price & info database.
Base Date:
Beginning date, from which the base index and your portfolio will be set to 100. Here you can set the starting date for the comparisons.
Buttons:
Aside from the Help and Close buttons (which should be self explanatory), these buttons appear on the screen:
Printer icon
Prints the window to your default windows printer.
View
Shows a report on the screen, containing the value and index of your portfolio, for each day there exists prices for, since the Base Date. When the report is shown, you can select to have it printed on paper.
Unzoom
Resets the chart to its original coordinates (in case you have moved the chart or selected with the mouse only a part of the chart to be shown).
Compare to other.
In this window, you can compare 2 securities to each other in the same graph.
The chart window; the x- and y axis.
On one axis you'll see the prices and on the other axis you'll see the different dates. The actual prices are shown as red/blue dots, and they correspond to the input that has been made in Prices & Info. The dots are connected with lines to show trends between the actual prices.
This makes it possible for you to see the variations over time, and compare one security to another.
The chart window; zoom with left mouse button.
You can also select a certain part of the prices and dates (zoom) by moving the mouse to a location, push the left mouse button and while holding the button down, move to another place. This will create a square, and when you release the mouse button, the graphics area will be zoomed to the selected prices and dates.
By pressing the "unzoom" button on the screen, all prices and dates are shown for the security again.
The chart window; move with right mouse button.
In the chart part of the window, you can also move the axis around. This is done by holding down the right mouse button, while moving the mouse. You'll then see the chart move within the chart window.
Selecting between securities.
You can select between securities to be shown, in the upper right hand corner - simply choose from one of the two drop down list by clicking on its right side, and choose by clicking on the name.
Buttons:
Aside from the Help and Close buttons (which should be self explanatory), these buttons appear on the screen:
Unzoom
Resets the chart to its original coordinates (in case you have moved the chart or selected a part of the chart to be shown).
Setup (graph icon)
A small window is shown. Here you can specify a starting date. Information in the graphics window will then be shown starting from the date you specify. - The other information will still be available by scrolling the chart window with the mouse, as mentioned above.
Diskette icon
If you click this icon, you can save content of the graphics window to a bitmap file. You can then import it into many other programs, e.g. for reports, presentations, etc.
Printer icon
Prints the window to your default windows printer.
Compare many.
In this window, you can see 4 different securities, and their prices over time.
Graphs and selectors.
There are 4 small graphs shown, one for each security. Above each graph a small drop down security selector is shown. By pushing the selector arrow next to each security name, you'll be changing the graph window, to show the prices for the newly selected security. You can do that for each of the 4 windows, and thus compare the 4 to each other.
The chart windows; the x- and y axis.
On one axis you'll see the prices and on the other axis you'll see the different dates. The actual prices are shown as red dots connected by blue lines, and they correspond to the input that has been made in Prices & Info. The dots are connected with lines to show trends between the actual prices.
This makes it possible for you to see the variations over time, and compare one security to another.
The chart windows; zoom with left mouse button.
You can also select a certain part of the prices and dates (zoom) by moving the mouse to a location, push the left mouse button and while holding the button down, move to another place. This will create a square, and when you release the mouse button, the graphics area will be zoomed to the selected prices and dates.
By pressing the "unzoom" button on the screen, all prices and dates are shown for the security again.
The chart windows; move with the right mouse button.
In the chart parts of the window, you can also move the axis around. This is done by holding down the right mouse button, while moving the mouse. You'll then see the chart move within the chart window.
Buttons:
Aside from the Help and Close buttons (which should be self explanatory), these buttons appear in the window:
Unzoom
Resets the charts to their original coordinates (in case you have moved a chart or selected a part of a chart to be shown).
Setup (graph icon)
A small window is shown. Here you can specify a starting date. Information in the graphics windows will then be shown starting from the date you specify. - The other information will still be available by scrolling the chart window with the mouse, as mentioned above.
Printer icon
Prints the window to your default windows printer.
Finance calendar.
The finance calendar can be used to mark special dates / events in the future. These special dates / events could be dates for quarterly business figures for a security.
This information can help you to be aware, that there might soon be changes in prices.
This is also used in the portfolio and securities windows, where an information panel show the information from this finance calendar.
It is the idea, that the information that is available in the calendar, also can be automatically downloaded from the internet, exactly as it is possible with the prices. At the moment the information has to be entered manually.
Calendar part.
In the largest part of the window, the calendar is shown. One month at a time is shown. If there is any information for a given day, the security name will be shown in the calendar area. You can use the mouse to choose between dates.
information and the navigator.
In the top right corner, the chosen date is shown, and below there is a navigator, that can be used to move back and forth between months and years.
When a date is selected where there is information, the security name will be shown in the list on the right and the information in the text line. If there are more information for more securities on the same day, it will be possible to choose between the securities from the drop down list. The text line will then change according to the selected security.
There is room for one line of text. This line can be used to any information, like: annual report, quarterly report, the announcement of a new product, etc.
Buttons.
These buttons can be used in the finance calendar:
Add
- Enter new information for the chosen date.
Delete
- Delete the chosen information. You select the date, and from the drop down list, you select the security with the associated text. By pushing this button, it will be deleted.
Examine
- This button is available for registered users. By pushing this button, an overview of the coming month special events are shown. The overview is shown in date order.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Close the finance calendar.
To edit data, you need to delete the data, and add some new information.
Top 10.
In the top 10 window, the 10 biggest rises and 10 biggest falls are calculated.
This is done by comparing the latest price for each security, to the price x number of periods back. You can specify the number of periods back.
By default, the listing will show the top 10 list, calculated as the "point" rise or fall. Registered users can also push the radio button on the right hand side, and have the list calculated by comparing the percentage wise rise or fall.
The list
The information show in the list is:
Name, ( latest price, price x periods ago ), price change, percentage change
The prices shown are calculated from the x last prices for each security. If you update the prices weekly, the list will reflect the weekly top 10, if you set the time to 1. Likewise if you update daily, a setting of 1 reflects the top 10 from day to day, and a setting of 5 (not including weekends) will reflect the weekly top 10.
Printer Icon
If you push the printer button, the list is shown in printable format on the screen. From there you can choose to print it to a printer.
Hi's & Lo's
On this pages, you can see another view of how the prices for all the securities has been.
You simply select the date interval for which you want the high and low prices calculated.
Fields:
These fields are shown and, are to be filled out:
Date 1:
The date for which to begin calculating Hi's & Lo's.
Date 2:
The date for which to end calculation Hi's & Lo's.
Note:
There has to be sufficient data background material (prices) for this to work.
Buttons:
These buttons apply to the Hi's & Lo's window:
View
- Calculate the high and low prices for each security, based on the dates selected. The result is shown on a report on the screen. From there you can choose to print the report to a printer.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the Hi's & Lo's window.
What-if?
In the extended "What-If" window, which is a part of the Alarms & Watches window, you can enter new prices for the securities in your portfolio. You can then calculate what the value of your portfolio would be, if the prices reflected what you entered.
Registered users can also enter a value, and then do a "backward" calculation, of what the price would be, if the value was realized.
Both of these features, will make setting a stop loss or stop profit easier. See more about entering and viewing stop loss and stop profit values here.
The What-if list:
The What-if list fills most of this windows.
It shows you the security name, the latest date and price, and makes it possible to enter either prices or profit/loss amounts.
The what-if calculations take any difference in currencies into account. You must enter prices in the local currency, and profit/loss in your local currency.
The What-if item list looks a lot like your portfolio, so that you can play different scenarios, on your portfolio or a test portfolio.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons:
You have these buttons available:
Calc PL
- The column "? Profit/Loss" is calculated for all the lines in the What-if list. This is based on the prices you have entered in the "? Price" column. This makes it possible for you to see the profit/loss amounts for given prices. A grand total is shown in the bottom line of the window.
Calc price
- The column "? Price" is calculated for all the entries in the What-if list. This is based on the amounts you have entered in the "?Profit/Loss" column. The value can, due to decimal rounding cause the Profit/loss amount to be slightly different from the actual value shown in such cases. It does, however, make it possible for you to see a fairly accurate, although estimated net value for certain profit/loss positions. An adjusted grand total is shown in the bottom line of this window.
Delete
- Deletes the currently selected What-if item.
Reload
- Deletes all the rows in the What-if item list, and builds a new list from the items in your portfolio. This makes it possible to make a fresh start, and track any changes if you have any changes in your portfolio.
All securities from the portfolio pages, including active, invest, pension deals, and test deals are included. You can delete any lines you do not wish to include in the what-if calculations.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the What-if window.
Finance links.
In the finance links window, you can make links to your own favorite internet sites, or you can see the many links to company sites, that has been entered in the securities register.
Link list:
To begin with, the list shows your own links. You can add, and delete links to your own list of links.
If you click one time with the mouse in a field (or use the F2 key), you can edit the content of the field.
If you double click with the mouse on an item, your internet browser will start and it will be directed to the internet site, you chose.
That way, you can always collect all your favorite investment sites in this one place.
Selector:
In the top right hand corner, you can toggle between your own links, and the links, that comes from the securities register.
Buttons:
Add
- Add a space for a new link. Enter internet site address and description directly in the link list. Only available for own links.
Delete
- Deletes the currently selected link. Only available for own links.
Find
- Enter a text to find. Text entered can be just a part of the link/description you are looking for.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the Link window.
Limits.
Here you have the chance to limit prices. If you enter limits, you'll be notified, when the price rise or fall to the price specified.
In the main "limits" window, you see a list of the different limits that are set. And you see some buttons.
Limit list:
The limit list has a name, a sign and a number column.
In the name column, you select (from a drop down list), the name of the security, that you wish to set up a limit for.
You then select if the limit should be triggered, if the current price is greater than (>=) or lower than (<=) the limit.
In the limit column, you enter the number, that the limit is to be triggered for.
Example:
So if you set a limit for a company A, to be triggered if the current price goes below 100, you would enter: Company A, <=, 100. This can be useful if you have your eyes set on some stocks, and have decided to buy, if the price goes under 100.
On the other hand you could also set a limit for a company B, to be triggered if the current price goes above 200. You would then enter: Company B, >=, 200. This can be useful, if you have stocks in your portfolio, that you will like to sell if the price goes above 200.
Mouse- and keyboard use.
General use of the mouse and keyboard can be found by clicking here.
Buttons:
You also have these buttons available:
Delete
- Deletes the currently selected limit item/items. You can select more than on limit at a time, by using the usual Windows key/mouse combinations. A special marker is shown to the left, when a limit has been selected.
Examine
- Looks though all the prices, and checks all the limits you have
entered. If Limits are reached they will show up in a separate window. From there you can print the limits to screen or a printer.
Help
- This help page.
Close
- Exit the Limits window.
Advice.
The advice page can be used by different analysts or banks to give you advice about different securities.
Since there are no Amateur Invest affiliated analysts or banks at the moment, not much is shown in this window.
Stay tuned...
Information.
In this window you receive different kinds of information about the program, and the databases it uses.
More information will be added in future releases.
Tools.
In the tools menu, you can find some extra features, that can enhance the use of Amateur Invest.
The tools are:
1. A report designer.
2. A graph designer.
Click on the report designer to learn more about the built in report designer.
For other reports and graphs, you can also use external programs.
Amateur Invest use standard DBase files for storing data. These data can be seen through a lot of different programs.
You can interface to these programs from Amateur Invest, since the action taken in the two menu's are to call external ".bat" files:
2. ainvgra.bat
In those batch files you can then call/start any other program you like.
For further development of the external programs, please visit www.amateur-invest.com.
Report Designer.
NB: The report designer is experimental in this version - the next version will add more of the features.
- - -
With the report designer, registered users can create their own reports.
In the trial version you can also create reports, and have them previewed and printed, but you cannot save or open reports.
You create a report by following these steps:
1. Select the "New" icon or menu item.
2. A fresh report will be shown in the window.
3. Select the data source.
4. Now you are ready to click on either:
- Text label to inset plain text
- Data label to insert database info
The above explanation is the very simple version. With the report designer, you can create more advanced reports by using SQL to show only portions of a database. Examples will be provided for registered users.
Window.
With the window menu items, you can manipulate the appearance of the open windows.
In Amateur Invest it is possible to have opened one instance of the more important windows.
If a window doesn't have the "minimize" icon enabled, you have to close that window, before other windows become available.
When a window contain a "minimize" icon in the top right hand corner, it means that it is a window, that can stay opened on the screen, while other windows are also open. This makes it possible for you to see several windows on screen at one time, and to switch between them easily.
Use these menu items to manipulate open windows.
About Amateur Invest.
Amateur Invest is made by Rene Michael. The program is Copyrighted, and must not be changed in any way.
In principle you can use the program as it is, but to take full advantage of all the many features in the program, you'll have to pay a small fee for it (called registering). You can try out the program as long as you like, but please consider registering after a 30 day evaluation period. I'm sure you'll find the money spent, absolutely worth while - once you have registered.
Once you have registered the program, you can receive updates via the internet. Also price files can be updated that way.
Read all about registering, prices, benefits, and much more, at:
The Amateur Invest Internet site
Credits:
- English help text proof reading by Peter Welter.
- Registered users of Amateur Invest - Thanks, - you make this possible.
- All users of Amateur Invest that contribute with ideas, and in the:
on line internet discussion forum.
Import / Export.
The import / Export window, makes it possible for you to either import data into Amateur Invest from other sources or to export data from Amateur Invest.
By far the most common use of this window is when you want to get updated with the latest prices. Here you just use the standard that has been set from the start and push the import button.
Extra:
Besides the above mentioned Import and Export buttons, there are two more buttons. With those two buttons, you can get some extra information via the internet. Either some more securities or historical prices.
Some functions, like the import of currency exchange rates and historical prices become available in the registered version of the program.
How to?
First you select the kind of import or export you wish to do. If the origin is to/from a file or to/from the internet?
Then you select the type of import or export you wish to complete; e.g. bank transactions, prices and information, and/or security data.
Finally you push the import or export button and follow the instructions below.
The functions are described in more detail here beneath in the sections about import and export.
This description can be a bit technical at times, but do not despair.
Import.
From internet:
Function:
Import / Export Origin: Internet. Import / Export Type: Prices & Information. Button: Import.
When you choose this function, a connection to your internet provider (your default connection) will be made, and the latest prices will be downloaded. Please be sure that you do this on a regular basis - e.g. once a week. This will keep your prices and portfolio value up to date.
You can choose, if the import of prices should come from the Amateur Invest internet site or from another internet site.
You set up, which address the import should come from, under the administrative functions. Setup A right now is the Amateur Invest internet site, and setup B right now is via Yahoo.
Via setup B - Yahoo, prices can be imported for many securities from around the world, that have been registered with a special code in the security data definition (look under "ID Import" in securities ).
If you have a need to have prices updated often, you can thus choose to import via Yahoo - prices are updated continuously during the exchange opening hours. This should however be supplied by importing prices from the Amateur Invest' internet site appx. once a week. This will ensure that all your other prices are updated also.
Function:
Import / Export Origin: Internet. Import / Export Type: Currencies. Button: Import.
Registered users can set this check mark, and have new currency rates downloaded via the internet in the same manner as it is done with prices.
This will ensure, that your portfolio value in other currencies is also calculated correctly.
Function:
Import / Export origin: Internet. Import / Export Type: Reload. Button: Import.
The function to reload data, is used especially, when you have just started Amateur Invest for the first time. Since the program, does not contain the latest updated security data, prices and hints/ideas, it might be a good idea to use this function to reload the data. This should be done before you enter securities on your own, since this function will delete all data, prior to reloading.
The function can also be used, if you only rarely updates prices, and only use the securities that Amateur Invest comes with from the beginning.
The function does not delete your portfolio or bank transactions, but only security data, prices, currency data and hits/ideas, that you might have entered yourself. The latest security data, prices, currency data and hits/ideas, from the Amateur Invest internet site will then be available.
From File:
Function:
Import / Export Origin: File. Import / Export Type: Prices & Information. Button: Import.
In all import formats for prices, the mentioned check field has to be correct - otherwise Amateur Invest will not accept the data. This is for security reasons, so you know for sure that the prices you import are valid.
You can select to import data that are in different formats. Either "paradox"/"dbase" database format or "text" format. The following details vary with the format:
Text format:
Prices: index NAME, DATE, PRICE [, VOLUME]
The index name, is either the name a security that can be seen in the Amateur Invest security database (consist of the first 10 letters of a security) or the import ID that has been entered for a security. The date can be in the format YYYYMMDD or the native format for the operating system. The third is the price, with a . as decimal separator. And finally an optional volume.
Paradox and dBase format:
Prices: index NAME, DATE, PRICE, TYPE, TEXT.
The import via paradox or dBase formats must follow strict rules about field naming, and size. If you are interested in supplying or getting prices via this format, please contact Simply Data.
Function:
Import / Export Origin: File. Import / Export Type: Bank Transactions. Button: Import.
You can select to import data that are in different formats. Either "paradox"/"dbase" database format or "text" format. The following details vary with the format:
Text format:
Transactions: Account number, Transaction text, Bank label, Value date, Amount.
In text format for transactions, transaction text (any text describing the transaction) and bank label (a unique number per transaction, assigned by your bank) can be empty strings. Value date has to be in the format of YYYYMMDD. Everything except the amount has to be in quotes ("), and
separated by a comma (,).
Paradox and dBase format:
Transactions: fields are imported, according to an import definition.
Export.
To File:
You can select to export data in different formats. Either "paradox"/"dbase" database format or "text" format.
In the two database formats, all fields are exported as native fields.
In text format, strings and dates are delimited with apostrophe (") and separated with comma (,). Dates are exported in the format YYYYMMDD. Type and text fields are not exported for prices in text format.
Function:
Import / Export Origin: File. Import / Export Type: Prices & Information. Button: Export.
The following fields are exported:
Prices: index NAME, DATE, CHECK, PRICE (,TYPE, TEXT).
Function:
Import / Export Origin: File. Import / Export Type: Bank Transactions. Button: Export.
The following fields are exported:
Transactions: account NUMBER, value DATE, AMOUNT.
To Internet:
Export to internet is not directly applicable. You can export data to a file, and send it to internet if you wish.
In general.
The import / export function is still being enhanced. It works, so that you can import and export basic information today. And so that you can get updated prices via the internet. Some more types of automatic downloads could however be convenient. These areas are planned to be addressed in new releases of Amateur Invest.
Import Definition.
To import data from another database or text file, you can use the import definition window.
Fields in Amateur Invest are used in certain specific ways, and Amateur Invest has to be told, how to match the fields from the external source.
Many bank programs (home banking programs) use a paradox or dbase database to store the transactions in.
Or you can save transaction information to a text file from internet based banking programs. You can do this by eg. "copy-pasting" the information from the screen into a notepad file, and then saving the file to the disk. Or if the program has an export facility, you can export the transactions to a file directly.
By using this import definition, you can set up Amateur Invest to be able to read the transactions from such PC Bank programs, and thus avoid having to enter all the transactions on your own.
How:
First you choose the file, that you wish to import data from.
Then you set up the required fields from the import database or text.
Fields:
The fields can be selected from drop down lists, by pushing the arrow next to each field name. The fields that needs to be selected, have the following meanings:
Skip older than (days):
If you import data on a regular basis, you can just look back for new transactions, for a small period of time. This can be set to 100 days, or if you update more often, to eg. 30 days (that is, you update at least once a month).
Account number:
Here you enter, from where Amateur Invest can read the account number.
Value Date:
Here you define the field, that Amateur Invest should read the bank value date from. Has to be a "string" field with the format YYYYMMDD
Amount:
Here you enter, from where Amateur Invest should read the amount.
Text:
Here you define the field that describes the transaction.
Bank Label:
Here you say which field, Amateur Invest can read the bank unique label id from. Each transaction usually is given a unique serial number.
Buttons:
Save
By using the save button, you can save the import definition you have made. Amateur Invest will then automatically remember the definition, the next time you wish to import data. You'll then avoid having to start the definition over each time.
In general:
Please note, that the above rules must be observed. Otherwise Amateur Invest will not be able to read the transactions from your bank program.
Alternatively, you may be able to export data from you bank program, in a format, that can be specified to suit the above import definition. A little way around, will then make it possible to import data into Amateur Invest anyway.
Import more security definitions.
With this function, you can download more securities (shares, bonds, mutual funds, options) than the ones that Amateur Invest comes with from the start.
As you know, you yourself can set up security definitions, so that you can enter those securities into your portfolio, and have prices updated automatically via the internet.
This function can make it a bit more easy, since you can get more predefined securities here.
The list of securities will be updated once in a while. So before setting up securities of your own, you might try to download the list from here.
This function is also made so that the users of Amateur Invest can share securities with each other. If you have securities that are not on the list, please contact the author of Amateur Invest. Contact information can be found at the internet site: www.amateur-invest.com
How-to?
In the import window there's an address line, a list and some buttons.
Usually you should not need to change the address line. If changes should be made to this line, you can read about it on the above mentioned internet site.
When you push the "Import" button, a connection to the internet will be made, and some more securities will be downloaded.
The securities that are not already in your database will be shown in the list in the window.
You can then select the securities you wish to import into your own database.
If you use the right mouse button in the list, you can select or deselect all securities.
You can also use the filter function on the right side in the window, so that only securities from one country is shown.
After the selection has been made, you push the "Transfer" button and the securities are copied, and are then ready for you to use.
You can also choose to have security setup's imported from a file. Read more about it here.
Import from file.
This function is under construction.
It is possible at the moment, to get security setup's from a file, if it conforms to these standards:
1) It must be a comma separated file.
2) In the first column there must be a name (name of the security).
3) In the second column there must be an import id code (Yahoo code).
4) For the other fields, you can enter values yourself, eg. currency, etc.
This way you can cut and paste eg. company information from the Yahoo finance website, edit it in the notepad editor, so that it follows the rules above, save the result to a file, and then import the security definitions here.
The functionality will be improved in coming releases of the program.
Import Tasks.
This window is a shortcut to the various import tasks that are available in Amateur Invest. It is an "Import Wizard". You can do more advanced importing and exporting in the "Imp./Exp" window, but this window here, is easier for the day to day tasks.
Select the tasks you wish to have executed or push the "Check" button.
Once some of the items have a check mark next to them, you can push the "Execute" button, and have the tasks done.
In the registered version, currency rates are downloaded also.
New program check:
If a new program is available, you should go to the Amateur Invest internet site, download the update, and install it.
New definition file check:
If a new definition file is available, you should go to the admin. window, and push the "U" button next to the "Internet address B" box.
New securities:
A window is shown, from which you can choose which securities to import into the program.
Other checks:
Downloading of currencies and new security prices are handled automatically.
Historical prices.
Registered users can use this button to get historical prices for specific securities.
You get to choose a security, and a start date. Also you can decide the frequency; either daily or weekly prices. Note that daily prices will take longer time to download.
Then a connection to the internet will be made, and the requested prices will be downloaded into the program.
Possible errors:
- A correct import definition in the security register (field "ID Import").
- A connection must be made to the internet. Check the proxy settings if you have problems.
Intro: Admin. window.
In the admin. window, you can do a number of tasks, that influence the rest of how Amateur Invest works.
In particular you should notice these settings:
Proxy settings - if you have trouble downloading prices via the internet.
Base Currency setting - for securities in several countries.
Also you can do things here like database maintenance:
Stock splits.
Deleting prices, etc.
Finally when you are more comfortable with Amateur Invest you can set it up to do automatic timed price downloads, if you like.
(NB: This message is shown as a help to first time users. It will be shown automatically the first 3 times you use the program).
Intro: User id / password.
Thank you very much for trying out Amateur Invest!
The user id and password in the unregistered version of Amateur Invest are: MANAGER and MANAGER. Both in uppercase letters.
In the unregistered version of the program, the user id and password cannot be changed. By registering, this facility will be opened up for, and you can use the Admin window to change the user id and password. Registering also opens up for other features not found in the unregistered version.
Please use the F1 key for help often.
Hope you enjoy my program, and have prosperous investments.
R. Michael, The author of Amateur Invest.
- Close this help window, and continue the program.
(NB: This message is shown as a help to first time users. It will be shown automatically the first 3 times you use the program, and enter a wrong user id/password. From then on, you should remember the user id/password yourself).
Intro: Securities
In the security database, you can enter all the securities (shares, bonds, options, mutual funds) you like.
From the beginning, Amateur Invest comes with more than 100 security definitions from many countries. In the Import/Export window you can download even more definitions via the internet. And you can delete the ones that you don't want or need.
You can use the existing security definitions as examples that can show you, how you can add security definitions yourself.
To enable an automatic download of prices from the internet you should enter an "import" code in the field "ID Import". The code needed, can be found at Yahoo finance sites around the world.
Do not be alarmed, it is really easy, and there are plenty of examples and explanations of how to do it. It is as easy as 1-2-3:
1: Enter a name
2: Enter an import id code
3: Have prices updated automatically.
Read more about setting up the codes at these places:
On line introductions: (www.amateur-invest.com/start/demo.htm)
On line Explanation: (www.amateur-invest.com/tutorial/securities-add.htm)
The link window:
Contain links to "import id" pages on the internet.
The help pages here:
Editing security data.
Finding and setting up codes.
Internet pages:
FAQ: (www.amateur-invest.com/us_faq.htm)
On line introductions: (www.amateur-invest.com/start/demo.htm)
On line Explanation: (www.amateur-invest.com/tutorial/securities-add.htm)
How To: (www.amateur-invest.com/us_howto.htm)
(NB: This message is shown as a help to first time users. It will be shown automatically the first 3 times you use the program).
Intro: Setup
Some basic setup has to be done, when you first use the program:
1) Set the base currency
2) Import the latest prices
3) Import more securities
1) Admin. window:
In the "admin." window you can change to "Demo" data. And you can set the base currency. Setting the base currency makes the profit/loss calculations correct. From the beginning of the program the base currency is set to USD.
2) Imp/Exp window:
The program comes complete with a number of securities and prices. But new prices comes every day, and not at the same time as releases of the software.
You should therefore - as the first thing you do - go to the Imp-/Export window, set a marker next to "Reload" and then press the "Import" button. That will download the latest security definitions and prices via the internet. You only have to do this once.
3) Import more securities:
The program comes with some securities from the beginning. In the Imp/Exp and the Import tasks windows you can import more predefined securities. You can also add securities yourself - see how to on this introduction page: On line introductions: (www.amateur-invest.com/start/demo.htm)
Please note:
You can use both the "imp/exp." window (from the left side menu), and the "import tasks" window (already opened in the program) to import prices, and more securities. Learn more about the program on: On line introductions: (www.amateur-invest.com/start/demo.htm)
(NB: This message is shown as a help to first time users. It is shown automatically the first time you use the program).
Database error.
There is an error in one of the databases that the program use.
Databases can become corrupted, if the program is halted (eg. the power to the PC is turned off) during critical periods in program execution.
Please note the exact message that is show in the program, and send this in an email to Amateur Invest.
Registered users can then get support to fix the problem.
Mouse and keyboard use.
You can use a mouse as well as the keyboard in many of the windows. You decide which is the better for you.
Not all the places and possible function are mentioned here below, so you are encouraged to try it out yourself. Generally Amateur Invest follow the same rules as other Windows programs.
Arrow keys:
In item lists: The arrow keys moves up and down between the items in the list, making a new item the current.
In date fields: Increase or decrease the date in the field.
Tabulator:
In windows with item lists: Using the <tab> key, you can jump between the item list and the buttons with the keyboard. When the item list becomes active / inactive, it changes color.
In windows with data fields: Using the <tab> key, you can jump between the fields.
Delete:
In windows with item lists: When the item list is active, then this will delete the currently selected item.
Enter:
Generally this executes the function of the chosen button - or a button that is set to have the <enter> key as its default function.
Underscored letters in buttons:
Buttons can also be reached by pressing the letter corresponding to the underscored letter in the button label.
Filter.
A filter makes it possible to see only some of the data. This can be for only one security and / or for a given date range.
The filter is set in a small window, that pops up on the screen. The window contains a drop down list box from where you can select security names. And it contains 2 pairs of operators and dates.
If you leave the filter name and/or dates blank, it means you select all names and/or dates.
The filter settings can be combined in a number of ways.
NB: For importing prices and filtering securities in the portfolio, there are some extra options. Those options are explained after the 3 examples.
Example 1.
You wish to see all the data for all the securities, where the dates are after 1st. jan. 2001. This is accomplished by 1) leaving the name selector empty, 2) setting the 1st. operator to >=, 3) setting the 1st. date to 1st. January 2001.
This reads: show data for all securities and only those after (or equal to) 1st. January 2001.
Example 2.
You wish to see all the data for all the securities, where the dates are after 1st. jan. 2001, but before 31st. dec. 2001. This is accomplished by 1) leaving the name selector empty, 2) setting the 1st. operator to >=, 3) setting the 1st. date to 1st. January 2001, 4) setting the 2nd. operator to <=, 5) setting the 2nd. date to 31st. December 2001.
This reads: show data for all securities and only those after (or equal to) 1st. January 2001, but before (or equal to) 31st. December 2001.
Example 3.
You wish to see all the data for the company called "CityGroup", that is after 1st. jan. 20011. This is accomplished by 1) setting the company name selector to the name "CityGroup", and 2) setting the 1st. operator to >=, 3) setting the 1st. date to 1st. January 20011.
This reads: show data for the company CityGroup and only those after (or equal to) 1st. January 2001.
Option for selecting portfolio items.
When you have your portfolio shown, filtering the dates usually means using the buy date. However for use, when you need to do your taxes, you can select to use the sell date. If for example, you wish to see all the trades you have done in 2001, you can select "Invest (Sold)" from the drop down list, choose the filter button, set the check mark to "Sell dates...", set the date 1 to >= 1. Jan. 2001, and set date 2 to <= 31. Dec. 2001. This will show all sold securities for the year 2001 - now its easier to do your taxes.
Option for importing prices.
When you import historical prices, you get an option to choose either daily or weekly prices. You can only specify a beginning date to import from, so the operator is fixed at >=. Set the date back in time to the time you wish to import from.
Buttons.
These buttons are available.
Reset
- All filters are emptied, and if ok'ed, all data will be shown again.
Help
- This help page here.
OK
- Accepts the filter selected. Makes the filter active.
Find.
In the find window, you can enter some text to search for.
Eg. in the transactions, you can enter any text you like, and if any transaction contain the text, it will be found, and it will be highlighted.
The first time you search for a text, you should mark the "from beginning" square.
For the following searches for the same text, you should mark the "next" square.
This makes it possible for you to find transactions one at a time.
Dates.
Selecting between dates, has been made easy with the date selection window.
The window contain a calender, that show one month at a time.
You simply select the date that you wish, and that date is returned to a date field.
In the date field itself you can also use the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard. This will increase / decrease the date by one day at a time.
Buttons.
These buttons are available.
Cancel
- Aborts the date select function. No date is returned.
OK
- Accepts the date selected. The date is returned.
Arrow buttons
- On the top left hand and top right hand corner of the window, you'll see some arrows. These arrows can be used to change the month and year:
Previous year (year - 1)
Previous month (month - 1)
Next month (month + 1)
Next year (year + 1)
If you keep the mouse over the button a little while, an explanation box will appear, telling you the meaning of the button.
Simply press the button to either move backward or forward in time.
Problem with printer.
The program needs to have a printer installed, before it is able to show reports.
Even if you do not have a printer, you can install one in Windows - Install it as a "generic type printer". Then you will be able to see previews of reports on screen.
On networks, printing will also work. Certain problems with drivers or problems with Windows, might mean that you need to install the latest printer driver in Windows, and sometimes also install an extra printer - even if one isn't available.
Problem with security name.
The name of a security must be unique within the first 10 letters - that means for example that safeinvest xxx and safeinvest yyy would create an error (since the first 10 letters are the same) - in that case you could use abbreviations instead - safeinv xxx and safeinv yyy. Also the name cannot contain an apostrophe ( ' ).
Read more about the different fields here.
Registration.
Because hackers has broken the old registration procedure, it has become necessary to create a new registration procedure.
Unfortunately this means, that if you have registered Amateur Invest before, you'll have to send an email with your name to info@amateur-invest.com.
The new registration procedure will then be mailed back to you.
Thank you,
R. Michael
The author of Amateur Invest.