The Ferris Report Review: Is Dan Ferris a Scam?

As an experienced investment analyst with over seven years of consistent success in the financial markets, I’ve come across countless investment newsletters, each promising to deliver the next big opportunity or safeguard against market downturns. Some have proven valuable, while others fell short of their claims.

Recently, I decided to dive into The Ferris Report by Dan Ferris, a well-known figure in value investing and a key contributor at Stansberry Research. Given my focus on strategies that balance risk management with consistent long-term growth, I was intrigued by Ferris’ approach to navigating today’s volatile economic environment.

In this review, I’ll share my honest take on The Ferris Report—its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it truly delivers actionable insights for investors like you and me who are serious about building wealth sustainably.

What is The Ferris Report?

The Ferris Report is a monthly investment newsletter designed to help investors navigate volatile markets and build long-term wealth. As someone who values actionable insights backed by thorough research, I found its approach refreshingly comprehensive. Each issue focuses on value investing principles, identifying undervalued stocks or ETFs with strong fundamentals that can weather economic storms and deliver sustainable returns. What sets it apart is the depth of analysis—it’s not just about picking tickers but understanding broader macroeconomic trends like inflation, recessions, and geopolitical shifts, as well as micro trends within industries like housing or semiconductors.

Subscribers gain access to a model portfolio that tracks every recommendation, complete with detailed performance metrics. Additionally, the newsletter includes special reports on high-risk stocks to avoid and sectors poised for growth or decline. Frequent updates and alerts ensure subscribers stay informed about market developments in real-time. For investors like me who prioritize risk management alongside growth potential, The Ferris Report offers a balanced strategy that emphasizes capital preservation while seeking opportunities in uncertain times.

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Who Created The Ferris Report?

The Ferris Report was launched in December 2022 by Dan Ferris, one of the most respected voices in value investing. With decades of experience as Stansberry Research’s longest-tenured analyst, Ferris has built a reputation for identifying secure and profitable investment opportunities while warning about looming financial crises. His track record speaks volumes—he was among the few analysts to predict the 2008 financial meltdown accurately, showcasing his ability to anticipate major market shifts.

Ferris is also known for his work on Extreme Value, another highly regarded investment advisory focusing on safe and lucrative stocks. Beyond newsletters, he hosts the Stansberry Investor Hour podcast, where he shares insights from interviews with leading financial thinkers like Warren Buffett and Ray Dalio. His deep understanding of macroeconomic trends and commitment to educating investors make him a trusted figure in the industry. For me, Ferris’ reputation as a value investing champion adds credibility to The Ferris Report’s recommendations.

Is The Ferris Report Legit?

From my perspective as an experienced investor, The Ferris Report is absolutely legitimate. It’s backed by Stansberry Research, a reputable financial research firm known for its high-quality analysis and transparency. The newsletter doesn’t rely on flashy promises of quick riches; instead, it provides thoughtful strategies grounded in sound investing principles. Its focus on risk management—such as recommending inverse ETFs during market bubbles—shows a commitment to helping subscribers protect their portfolios during turbulent times.

Moreover, Dan Ferris’ track record lends significant credibility to the service. His accurate predictions of past economic crises demonstrate his ability to assess market dynamics effectively. While no investment advisory can guarantee success (timing trends remains inherently challenging), The Ferris Report stands out for its balanced approach, combining long-term wealth creation with practical risk mitigation strategies. For investors seeking reliable guidance in today’s unpredictable markets, I believe this newsletter is worth considering.

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What is Included in The Ferris Report?

When I subscribed to The Ferris Report, I was impressed by the range of resources and tools it provides. Here’s a breakdown of what members receive:

• Monthly Investment Newsletter: Delivered on the fourth Wednesday of each month, it includes detailed stock recommendations based on macro and micro trends, along with actionable insights.
• Model Portfolio: A curated list of Dan Ferris’ favorite stocks and ETFs, complete with buy-up-to prices, dividend information, and real-time performance tracking.
• Special Reports: Four in-depth reports that cover critical investment strategies, such as avoiding overvalued stocks or identifying sectors poised for growth.
• Updates and Alerts: Timely notifications on when to sell or add to existing positions, ensuring subscribers stay ahead of market changes.
• Access to Past Issues: Members can view all previous newsletters and special reports for additional insights.
• Podcast Access: Subscribers gain entry to the Stansberry Investor Hour, where Ferris shares market updates and interviews leading financial experts.

For me, the combination of regular updates, special reports, and a transparent model portfolio makes The Ferris Report a comprehensive tool for navigating today’s challenging financial landscape.

Are The Ferris Report Members Getting Results?

From what I’ve seen and read, members seem to appreciate the value provided by The Ferris Report. Jenna Lofton, a real subscriber with a strong background in finance, praised the newsletter for its actionable advice and balanced approach to long-term investing. She highlighted its focus on risk management and capital preservation as standout features.

Additionally, the model portfolio allows members to track the performance of recommendations in real time. This transparency has earned positive feedback from users who value being able to see how picks perform over time. While individual results will vary depending on market conditions and timing, the overall sentiment from subscribers suggests that they find Ferris’ insights useful for building resilient portfolios.

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How Much Does The Ferris Report Cost?

The pricing structure for The Ferris Report is straightforward. New subscribers can take advantage of a promotional rate of $49 for the first year, which represents a 75% discount off the regular annual price of $199. After the first year, subscriptions renew at the standard rate unless canceled.

What I particularly appreciate is the 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows new members to try out the service risk-free. If you’re not satisfied within that period, you can request a full refund—no questions asked. This refund policy gives potential subscribers peace of mind while evaluating whether the newsletter aligns with their investment goals.

For me, this introductory price combined with the refund policy makes The Ferris Report an accessible option for investors looking to test its insights without committing too heavily upfront.

Praises for The Ferris Report

As someone who values thoughtful investment strategies, I found several aspects of The Ferris Report worth praising:

• Comprehensive Investment Insights: The newsletter goes beyond stock recommendations to provide in-depth macroeconomic analysis and detailed breakdowns of industry trends. For me, this is invaluable because it equips investors with a broader understanding of the market environment, rather than just focusing on individual stock picks.

• Focus on Risk Management: I appreciate Dan Ferris’ emphasis on capital preservation through strategies like trailing stops and inverse ETFs during market bubbles. This approach resonates with my own philosophy of balancing risk and reward, especially in volatile markets.

• Transparent Model Portfolio: The inclusion of a model portfolio with real-time performance tracking, buy-up-to prices, and dividend information ensures subscribers can monitor the progress of recommendations effectively. This level of transparency builds trust and helps investors make informed decisions.

• Accessible Pricing: At $49 per year for new subscribers, The Ferris Report offers tremendous value for its content. The 30-day money-back guarantee further underscores its commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a low-risk option for those curious about its offerings.

• Proven Expertise: Dan Ferris’ track record of predicting major market events, such as the 2008 financial crisis, lends credibility to his insights. His ability to identify undervalued stocks and macro trends has earned him respect among seasoned investors like myself.

Criticisms for The Ferris Report

While I appreciate many aspects of The Ferris Report, there are a few areas where it falls short:

• Conservative Approach: The newsletter’s focus on long-term value investing might not appeal to those seeking high-risk, high-reward opportunities or quick gains. While I personally value this measured approach, it may not suit all investors’ goals.

• Underwhelming Short-Term Performance: As of September 2023, the average return of stocks in the model portfolio was approximately 2.33%, compared to the S&P 500’s 9% return over the same period. While this is still early data, it raises questions about the effectiveness of some recommendations in the short term.

• Aggressive Marketing Tactics: Subscribers have noted that Stansberry Research often bombards them with promotional emails for other services. I’ve experienced this myself, and while the content of The Ferris Report is solid, the relentless upselling can be frustrating.

• Reliance on Trailing Stops: While trailing stops are useful for traders, they may not align with fundamental investing principles where decisions are based on valuations rather than price movements. This could lead to premature exits from otherwise strong investments—a point I find worth considering.

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Is The Ferris Report Worth It?

After spending time with The Ferris Report, I believe it’s worth considering for investors who prioritize long-term wealth creation and risk management. For me, the newsletter’s focus on value investing, coupled with Dan Ferris’ proven expertise, makes it a reliable resource for navigating today’s unpredictable markets. The detailed stock analyses, macroeconomic insights, and transparent model portfolio offer actionable advice that can help investors build a resilient portfolio.

However, whether it’s “worth it” largely depends on your investment goals. If you’re looking for quick gains or high-risk opportunities, this might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you value a steady and conservative approach to growing your wealth—especially in volatile times—the $49 introductory price is an excellent deal. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee ensures you can try it risk-free. Personally, I found the insights valuable enough to justify the cost, but it’s important to weigh its strengths and limitations against your own financial objectives.

The Ferris Report Alternative to Make Passive Income

While investing in stocks can be rewarding, it’s inherently risky—especially during market downturns or periods of economic uncertainty. Over my years as an investor, I’ve learned that diversification isn’t just about spreading investments across asset classes; it’s also about exploring alternative ways to generate income. That’s why I believe building an online business is one of the best ways to create passive income with far less risk than traditional investing.

For those looking to start an online business, Wealthy Affiliate stands out as an excellent alternative. Unlike stock investing, which requires constant monitoring and carries the risk of market volatility, Wealthy Affiliate focuses on teaching you how to build a sustainable online business through affiliate marketing. Here’s why I think it’s a better option for passive income:

• Step-by-Step Training: Wealthy Affiliate provides comprehensive training that walks you through every aspect of affiliate marketing—from niche selection to website creation and monetization strategies.
• Low Initial Investment: Starting an online business through Wealthy Affiliate requires minimal upfront costs compared to stock investing or other ventures.
• Scalable Income Potential: Once your website is established and generating traffic, affiliate commissions can grow exponentially without requiring significant additional effort.
• Community Support: The platform includes a supportive community of entrepreneurs who share tips, strategies, and encouragement—a feature I’ve found invaluable when navigating new challenges.
• No Market Risk: Unlike investing in stocks, where external factors like inflation or recessions can impact returns, building an online business gives you control over your income potential.

Personally, I’ve seen how creating an online business can provide consistent passive income over time. While The Ferris Report is great for those committed to stock investing, Wealthy Affiliate offers a safer and more predictable path to financial freedom. If you’re looking for an alternative that minimizes risk while maximizing long-term rewards, Wealthy Affiliate is well worth exploring.

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