Investment Adviser FAQ

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: January 24, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions About Uptick and Investment Advice

This page answers common questions about Uptick's regulatory status, services, and limitations. For more comprehensive information, please see our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Risk Disclosure Statement.

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1. Regulatory Status and Business Model

Q: Is Uptick a registered investment adviser?

A: No. Uptick is NOT a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state securities regulator.

Uptick does NOT:

• Provide investment advisory services
• Act as a fiduciary to users
• Hold investment adviser licenses
• Comply with investment adviser regulations
• Maintain capital or insurance requirements for advisers
• Have compliance officers or surveillance systems required of advisers

Why This Matters: You should NOT assume that Uptick's recommendations carry the same protections as recommendations from a registered investment adviser. Registered advisers have fiduciary duties to act in clients' best interests; Uptick has no such duty.

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Q: What exactly does Uptick do?

A: Uptick provides algorithmic stock recommendations and portfolio rebalancing signals through a web-based platform. We analyze publicly available data (market data, corporate filings, news, sentiment data, macroeconomic data) and generate recommendations for stock selection and portfolio allocation.

Our recommendations are:

• Generated purely by algorithms
• Non-personalized (same algorithmic output for identical inputs)
• For informational and research purposes only
• NOT personalized investment advice
• NOT investment recommendations tailored to your situation

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Q: Does Uptick manage my money?

A: No. Uptick does NOT manage your money or have any access to your accounts.

Uptick:

• Does NOT have access to your brokerage accounts
• Does NOT execute trades on your behalf
• Does NOT have discretionary authority over your accounts
• Does NOT have custody of your assets
• Does NOT manage assets under management (AUM)
• Cannot deposit or withdraw funds from your accounts

To implement Uptick recommendations, you must:

• Manually access your brokerage account
• Manually place buy or sell orders
• Manually execute all trades yourself
• Be entirely responsible for implementation

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Q: Is Uptick a broker-dealer?

A: No. Uptick is NOT a broker-dealer and does NOT provide:

• Securities execution or trading services
• Clearing or settlement services
• Custody or safekeeping of assets
• Margin lending or other financing
• Prime brokerage services
• Any other broker-dealer services

To trade securities, you must use a brokerage firm (such as Fidelity, E-Trade, Schwab, or similar).

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2. Personalization and Suitability

Q: Are Uptick's recommendations personalized?

A: No. Uptick's recommendations are NOT personalized and are NOT tailored to your specific situation.

Our algorithm:

• Does NOT consider your age, income, net worth, or employment
• Does NOT consider your existing investments or portfolio
• Does NOT consider your time horizon or investment goals
• Does NOT consider your risk tolerance
• Does NOT consider your tax situation
• Does NOT consider your insurance, debt, or other financial factors
• Does NOT adjust recommendations based on individual user characteristics

Result: Two users with identical portfolio holdings will receive IDENTICAL algorithmic recommendations, regardless of their individual circumstances, financial situations, or objectives.

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Q: Are Uptick recommendations suitable for me?

A: Uptick does NOT assess suitability. We cannot determine whether our recommendations are suitable for your specific financial situation, objectives, risk tolerance, or time horizon.

Suitability assessment is YOUR responsibility:

• You must assess whether each recommendation fits your situation
• You must consider your personal financial circumstances
• You must evaluate your risk tolerance
• You must determine whether the recommendation aligns with your goals
• You must consult with a qualified financial adviser to assess suitability

Uptick does NOT:

• Assess your suitability
• Evaluate whether recommendations match your circumstances
• Determine whether recommendations align with your goals
• Provide guidance on implementation

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Q: Should I use Uptick as my only source of investment recommendations?

A: No. Uptick should NOT be your sole source of investment information or recommendations.

You should:

• Consider information from multiple sources
• Conduct your own due diligence and research
• Consult with multiple financial professionals
• Verify recommendations through independent analysis
• Get second opinions on major financial decisions
• Use Uptick as ONE data point among many

Relying solely on Uptick recommendations could result in poor investment decisions and significant losses.

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3. Accuracy and Performance

Q: How accurate are Uptick's recommendations?

A: Uptick makes NO warranties regarding the accuracy of recommendations.

Important facts:

• Our algorithms are NOT guaranteed to be accurate
• Recommendations may contain errors
• Backtested performance does NOT predict future performance
• Past performance does NOT guarantee future results
• We cannot guarantee recommendations will be suitable or profitable
• Recommendations are subject to algorithm errors and data quality issues

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Q: What if I lose money on a Uptick recommendation?

A: Uptick is NOT liable for investment losses resulting from our recommendations.

Key points:

• You assume full responsibility for all investment decisions and outcomes
• You assume full responsibility for any losses that result from implementing recommendations
• Uptick's liability is capped at fees you paid in the prior 12 months (or $0 if you use free services)
• You cannot recover losses from Uptick even if recommendations prove inaccurate
• You bear 100% of the investment risk

Your protection: The only way to protect yourself is to:

• Conduct thorough due diligence
• Verify recommendations through independent analysis
• Consult with qualified financial advisers
• Only invest amounts you can afford to lose

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Q: Does Uptick guarantee investment returns?

A: Absolutely not. Uptick makes NO guarantees regarding returns, performance, or results.

Specifically:

• We do NOT guarantee positive returns
• We do NOT guarantee outperformance of benchmarks
• We do NOT guarantee recommendations will work
• We do NOT guarantee recommendations will be profitable
• We do NOT guarantee recommendations will achieve any specific return

In fact:

• Recommendations could result in significant losses
• You could lose most or all of your investment
• Recommendations could underperform the overall market
• Recommendations could fail completely in adverse markets

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Q: Can you provide personalized advice if I request it?

A: No. Uptick does NOT provide personalized investment advice under any circumstances.

Even if you request personalized advice:

• We will not provide it
• We do NOT have the capability to personalize
• All recommendations are purely algorithmic
• No human evaluates your specific situation
• We cannot assess your suitability or needs

If you need personalized investment advice, you must consult with a registered investment adviser or financial professional.

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4. Data and Privacy

Q: What data do you collect from me?

A: When you use Uptick's portfolio analysis features, you may provide:

• Stock ticker symbols and quantities
• Portfolio holdings and allocations
• Account size or portfolio value
• Email address and account information

Uptick does NOT:

• Connect to your brokerage account
• Import your portfolio data automatically
• Have access to your actual account balances
• Monitor your trading activity
• Track your transactions

See our Privacy Policy for complete information about data collection and use.

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Q: How is my data protected and retained?

A: Your data protection:

• Portfolio data is encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access to portfolio data is limited and logged
• Data is retained only while your account is active
• Data is immediately deleted when your account is cancelled
• No historical portfolio versions are retained
• Backups are retained for 30 days for disaster recovery

Your data is NOT:

• Shared with third parties
• Sold to data brokers
• Used for purposes other than generating recommendations
• Retained longer than necessary
• Accessible to external parties

See our Privacy Policy for additional details.

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Q: Could my portfolio data be breached?

A: While we implement industry-standard security measures, breaches are possible.

Risk factors:

• Sophisticated attackers target financial companies
• No company can guarantee 100% security
• Data breaches can occur despite strong safeguards
• Third-party breaches could expose our data
• Insider threats are difficult to prevent

If a breach occurs:

• We will notify you within 30 days
• We will describe what data was exposed
• We will provide guidance on protecting yourself
• We will comply with applicable laws

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5. How Uptick Works

Q: How does Uptick generate recommendations?

A: Uptick analyzes data from multiple sources and uses proprietary algorithms to generate recommendations:

Data Sources:

• Market data: OHLCV (Open, High, Low, Close, Volume) prices
• Corporate filings: 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K SEC documents
• News and information: Financial news, earnings announcements
• Sentiment data: Social media sentiment analysis
• Macroeconomic data: Fed data, employment, inflation, interest rates

Analysis:

• Quantitative and statistical analysis (proprietary methodology)
• Historical data analysis and pattern recognition
• Risk-adjusted return optimization (Sharpe ratio)
• Algorithm continuously updated with new data

Output:

• Stock recommendations (buy, hold, avoid)
• Portfolio rebalancing suggestions
• Allocation recommendations

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Q: How often are recommendations updated?

A: Update frequency varies by data source:

Market Data: Near real-time

• Stock prices update constantly throughout the day
• Recommendations can be updated immediately
• Changes reflect latest available market information

Corporate Data: Depends on source

• 10-K reports: Annually (within 90 days of fiscal year-end)
• 10-Q reports: Quarterly (within 45 days of quarter-end)
• 8-K reports: As filed (within 4 business days of event)
• Earnings releases: As announced by companies

Other Data: Variable

• News and sentiment: As published
• Macroeconomic data: Monthly to quarterly (depends on data type)
• Updates propagate into recommendations as new data becomes available

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Q: What does the Sharpe ratio mean?

A: The Sharpe ratio is a measure of risk-adjusted returns:

Definition: Return per unit of risk taken

• Higher Sharpe ratio = better risk-adjusted returns
• Accounts for both return and volatility
• Helps compare risk-adjusted performance of different portfolios

Our approach: Our algorithms are optimized to maximize Sharpe ratio

• We try to generate returns while minimizing volatility
• We balance return potential against risk taken
• This is based on historical 5-year backtesting

Important caveat: Sharpe ratio optimization based on historical data does NOT guarantee future risk-adjusted performance.

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Q: Can I see how Uptick generates recommendations?

A: The specific details of our algorithm are proprietary and not disclosed publicly. However:

What we do disclose:

• Our data sources
• Our general methodology (quantitative analysis)
• Our optimization objective (Sharpe ratio)
• Backtesting period (5 years)
• Key risk factors we consider

What we do NOT disclose:

• Specific parameters and weights in our models
• Mathematical details of our algorithms
• Proprietary formulas or methodologies
• How specific recommendations are generated
• Internal validation metrics

This is standard practice in the industry—algorithms are considered proprietary intellectual property.

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6. Risks and Limitations

Q: What are the main risks of using Uptick?

A: The main risks are:

1. Algorithm Risk: Our algorithm may contain errors or may fail to predict future performance
2. Data Quality Risk: Our data sources may contain inaccuracies or be outdated
3. Market Risk: Securities can decline significantly regardless of recommendations
4. Tail Risk: Extreme, unpredictable events can cause massive losses
5. Backtesting Bias: Past performance may not predict future performance
6. No Human Review: No human checks whether recommendations are suitable
7. Limited Scope: We do not provide comprehensive financial planning
8. Cybersecurity Risk: Breaches could expose your data
9. Operational Risk: Service could be discontinued
10. Regulatory Risk: New regulations could restrict our service

See our Risk Disclosure Statement for detailed information.

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Q: What is backtesting and why does it matter?

A: Backtesting is evaluating how an algorithm performed using historical data:

How it works:

• We test our algorithm on 5 years of historical data
• We calculate what returns would have been if recommendations were followed
• We measure risk-adjusted returns (Sharpe ratio)
• Results show how the algorithm performed in the past

Why it matters:

• Shows whether the algorithm has been effective historically
• Helps validate the algorithm before deploying it
• Provides metrics for understanding risk-adjusted performance

Critical limitations:

• Past performance does NOT guarantee future results
• Backtests assume perfect execution without trading costs
• Backtests assume unrealistic assumptions (perfect prices, no slippage, no taxes)
• Backtests may contain biases (data mining, survivorship bias, look-ahead bias)
• Markets change; past patterns may not repeat
• Algorithms optimized for past data may fail on future data

Bottom line: Do not assume backtested performance will be achieved in actual trading.

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Q: What if market conditions change?

A: Our algorithm is trained on historical data and optimized for past market conditions. If market conditions change materially:

• Past patterns may not repeat
• Algorithm assumptions may no longer be valid
• Recommendations may become ineffective
• Losses could be substantial
• Market regime changes could cause systematic underperformance

Examples:

• Shift from bull market to bear market
• Change in correlations between securities
• Change in volatility regime
• Emergence of new risk factors
• Structural changes in markets (e.g., rise of passive investing)

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Q: What happens in a market crash?

A: During market crashes:

• Securities recommended by Uptick can decline sharply
• The algorithm may not anticipate crashes
• You could experience significant losses
• Tail risk and black swan events are most likely
• Market dislocations can break algorithmic models
• Liquidity may disappear; difficult to sell at any price

Uptick is NOT liable for losses during market crashes, even if recommendations contributed to the loss.

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7. When to Use Uptick and When Not to

Q: Who is Uptick appropriate for?

A: Uptick may be appropriate for:

• Experienced investors who understand algorithmic limitations
• Investors who use Uptick as ONE data point among many
• Investors who conduct independent due diligence
• Investors who can afford to lose their entire investment
• Investors who understand securities markets and risks
• Investors who work with qualified financial advisers
• Investors with sufficient financial cushion for losses

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Q: Who should NOT use Uptick?

A: Uptick is NOT appropriate for:

• Beginning investors without market knowledge
• Risk-averse investors who cannot handle volatility
• Investors who need guaranteed returns
• Investors nearing retirement with limited time to recover losses
• Investors without an emergency fund
• Investors with significant debt
• Investors who cannot afford to lose capital
• Investors who need personalized, tailored advice
• Investors seeking financial planning beyond stock selection
• Anyone who cannot understand and accept the risks

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Q: Should I talk to a financial adviser?

A: Yes. Before making any investment decisions based on Uptick recommendations, you should consult with:

Qualified Financial Adviser

• Will assess your full financial situation
• Can determine suitability for your circumstances
• Can provide personalized recommendations
• Has fiduciary duty to act in your best interest
• Can coordinate recommendations with overall plan

Tax Professional

• Can assess tax implications of recommendations
• Can optimize for your tax situation
• Can advise on tax-loss harvesting
• Can plan for capital gains taxes

Attorney (if applicable)

• Can address legal implications
• Can help with estate planning
• Can review contractual obligations

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8. Technical and Account Questions

Q: How do I create an account?

A: Visit uptick.ai and follow the sign-up process. You will need:

• Email address
• Password
• Acceptance of Terms of Service
• Acceptance of Privacy Policy

You do NOT need to link your brokerage account—portfolio data is entered manually.

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Q: Can I integrate Uptick with my broker?

A: No. Uptick does NOT integrate with brokerage accounts. You must:

• Manually enter your portfolio into Uptick
• Manually review recommendations
• Manually place trades in your brokerage account
• Manually track implementation of recommendations

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Q: What if I need customer support?

A: Contact us at:

• Email: contact@uptick.ai
• Response time: Within 30 days

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Q: Can I export my recommendations?

A: Check your account settings for export options. Specific export capabilities may vary.

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9. Regulatory and Legal Questions

Q: Are Uptick recommendations protected as investment advice?

A: No. Because Uptick is NOT a registered investment adviser:

• Recommendations are NOT protected as investment advice
• You do NOT have investment adviser protections
• You do NOT have fiduciary protections
• Applicable regulations for investment advisers do NOT apply
• Dispute resolution may differ from adviser disputes

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Q: What if I want to sue Uptick?

A: Our Terms of Service contain important limitations:

Arbitration Clause: You agree to resolve disputes through binding arbitration rather than court:

• Arbitrator chosen from JAMS
• Location: New York, New York
• Binding decision that cannot be appealed
• Limited discovery and review processes

Class Action Waiver: You waive the right to bring class action suits:

• All claims must be brought individually
• Cannot join with other users for collective action
• Cannot pursue representative proceedings

Liability Cap: Uptick's liability is capped:

• Limited to fees paid in prior 12 months (or $0 for free users)
• Even if you prove losses, recovery is limited
• Cannot recover full damages

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Q: What are my privacy rights?

A: You have rights under applicable laws:

GDPR Rights (EU users):

• Right to know what data we hold
• Right to delete your data
• Right to correct inaccurate data
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability

CCPA Rights (California users):

• Right to know what data we collect
• Right to delete your data
• Right to opt-out of data sales (though we don't sell)
• Right to non-discrimination

General Rights:

• Right to request your data
• Right to delete your account
• Right to opt-out of marketing
• Right to lodge privacy complaints

See our Privacy Policy for details.

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Q: Can regulations affect Uptick?

A: Yes. New regulations could:

• Require registration or licensing
• Change how recommendations must be presented
• Restrict certain algorithmic methodologies
• Impose new disclosure requirements
• Require specific disclaimers or warnings
• Even prohibit Uptick's services in certain jurisdictions

Uptick would need to comply with new regulations or discontinue services in affected areas.

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10. Disclaimer and Important Notices

Q: What is the most important thing to understand about Uptick?

A: The most important thing to understand is:

Uptick is NOT an investment adviser providing personalized investment advice.

Instead:

• Uptick provides algorithmic, non-personalized recommendations
• Recommendations are for informational purposes only
• YOU are solely responsible for determining suitability
• YOU assume all investment risk and responsibility for losses
• YOU must conduct due diligence and consult professionals
• Recommendations may be inaccurate or inappropriate for your situation
• Past performance does NOT guarantee future results
• You could lose most or all of your investment

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Q: What disclaimer applies to all Uptick recommendations?

A: The universal disclaimer is:

⚠️ UPTICK IS NOT AN INVESTMENT ADVISER. These recommendations are algorithmic and for information purposes only. They are not personalized investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a qualified financial professional before investing. You could lose most or all of your investment.

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11. Where to Find More Information

For additional information, please see:

• Terms of Service: https://uptick.ai/terms-of-service

  • Legal terms, liability limitations, arbitration clause

• Privacy Policy: https://uptick.ai/privacy-policy

  • Data collection, use, retention, privacy rights

• Risk Disclosure Statement: https://uptick.ai/risk-disclosures

  • Detailed explanation of all investment risks

• How Uptick Works: https://uptick.ai/how-it-works

  • Algorithm explanation, data sources, methodology

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12. Contact Information

For questions about this FAQ or other matters, contact:

Email: contact@uptick.ai

Mailing Address: Uptick, Inc. Attn: Legal Team 1120 Avenue of the Americas Fourth Floor New York, NY 10036 United States

Response Time: We will respond to inquiries within 30 days.

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END OF INVESTMENT ADVISER FAQ

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