malik@cs.psu.edu (Sohail Malik) (03/16/91)
Does anyone have recommendations for software to manage financial portfolios that: - connects to the Dow Jones service to download quotes - handles stocks, treasuries, and options (at least) - has the ability to create customized reports - is supported by a reputable company - runs on a 386 with 2 megabytes of RAM running DOS with a 2400 baud modem - allows you to choose the serial port being used and preferrably: - uses color to highlight information Any help would be much appreciated, -Sohail Malik malik@cs.psu.edu
maher@clio.sts.uiuc.edu (Patrick Maher) (03/22/91)
malik@cs.psu.edu (Sohail Malik) writes: >Does anyone have recommendations for software to manage financial >portfolios that: > - connects to the Dow Jones service to download quotes > - handles stocks, treasuries, and options (at least) > - has the ability to create customized reports > - is supported by a reputable company > - runs on a 386 with 2 megabytes of RAM running DOS with a 2400 baud modem > - allows you to choose the serial port being used >and preferrably: > - uses color to highlight information The program PFROI does everything you want, except perhaps "customized reports." There is a shareware version which does virtually everything; but to be able to download you need to register ($30) and get the enhanced version. I recently got it, and am very happy with it. The program is from Techserve, inc., POB 70056, Bellevue, WA 98007, Telephone: 206 747 5598 / 800 826 8082. Here's a list of features (from a file put out by Techserve): * easy data input format (unlike clumsy formats found on many commercial packages) * computation of true return on investment (IRR method) on portfolio and securities within before and after taxes. (again a key feature omitted on many commercial packages) * numerous reports including capital gains, dividend & interest reports useful for tax preparation and a detailed open lot report useful for tax planning. * several tax lot assignment methods including FIFO, average cost and specific assignment. Tax rates are user-configurable (flexible for tax law changes) and estimated taxes computed (again useful for tax planning). * valuation graphics (CGA, EGA, VGA & Hercules supported). * support of just about every security type (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cd's, depreciable assets, options, etc.) with many transaction types including reinvestment of dividends, interest and capital gains. * output to printer, text file or screen.