Greater exposure when permitted and supported.
The next chapter after Dow 85,000
AIM
Higher.
Use the Adaptive Index Model to pursue more of what index investing can offer across market cycles. Be active. Be adaptive. Be disciplined.
Discover the model
Working manuscript • 2026
Millions of investors own the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 through familiar index funds. AIM Higher asks how those same building blocks can be used more deliberately.
01
Adaptive Index Model
An index becomes a strategy.
AIM is presented in the manuscript as an active, quantitative framework that adjusts exposure to broad equity indexes as market conditions change. It is built to focus on the shorter cyclical bull and bear markets that occur inside much longer secular trends.
The model’s purpose is not to predict every turn. It is to apply a repeatable rule set, respond to established trends and reduce the emotional decisions that can derail long-term plans.
“Time matters. Timing matters.”
A dynamic range
Exposure can adapt with the trend.
The manuscript describes signals that can move from defense to amplified participation. The exact implementation and maximum exposure depend on the chosen strategy and risk limits.
Broad participation in an established trend.
Partial participation as evidence improves.
Seek to step aside when risk is elevated.
Exposure levels are illustrative descriptions from the working manuscript, not a recommendation. Leveraged exposure magnifies gains and losses and may not be appropriate for all investors.
The tactical toolkit
Built to be smart, tactical and disciplined.
Trend analysis
Identify the direction and durability of the market’s prevailing move rather than reacting to every headline.
Early and confirmed signals
Balance responsiveness with confirmation so the process can participate while attempting to limit avoidable whipsaws.
Adaptive exposure
Move among defensive, partial, full and—where appropriate—amplified market exposure.
Rules over emotion
Use a defined process to counter the fear, impatience and performance-chasing that often harm investors.
Secular perspective
Think in decades.
Act within cycles.
Secular markets
Long structural periods that establish the larger direction of the market.
Cyclical markets
Shorter advances and declines that create both risk and opportunity inside the larger trend.
Inside the working manuscript
The AIM Higher roadmap
Twelve chapters connect market history, tactical implementation and lessons from three generations of active management.
- 01Primer on secular market cycles
- 02Cyclical markets: Make the trend your friend
- 03The AIM Higher perspective
- 04Adaptive Index Model tactical tools
- 05The AIM Index rule set
- 06Litmus test across market cycles
- 07Getting started
- 08Updating Dow 85,000
- 09Could Dow 110,000 be possible?
- 10Lessons learned
- 11Interview with Troy Schield
- 12About the authors