ABOUT VMF RESEARCH
Founded by Vasco Marques de Freitas, CFA, CMT
VMF Research is an independent research company specializing in the publication of high quality, unbiased and evidence-based investment research.
What We Do
We pride ourselves on delivering research of institutional caliber directly to you. Our insights are distilled into formats that are not only easy to understand but also affordably priced, embodying our steadfast belief in the power of simplicity. As the saying goes, ‘simple is not always easy’... but rest assured, we embrace this challenge with full commitment.
To truly grasp the impact of VMF Research, let's shift our focus from who we are to the essence of what we do... and, more importantly, how our products empower you. Our commitment extends beyond offering just actionable investment recommendations... we provide insights and knowledge poised to revolutionize your entire investment approach.
We have a profound understanding of the aspirations that drive self-directed investors like you, who confidently steer their own financial futures. Whether your goals include improving your investment outcomes, gaining greater control over your wealth, securing a prosperous retirement, or employing strategies typically reserved for the professional realm, VMF Research has you covered. Our solutions light the way through the complexities of the investing landscape, addressing your pivotal questions and granting access to strategies often exclusive to high-net-worth clients of the most prestigious wealth management firms.
Want to Align Your Investment Strategy with the Pros?
Ever wondered how the elite of the investment world—professionals, family offices, endowments, and other institutional investors—navigate their strategic asset allocation and evaluate opportunities with such confidence and skill?
VMF Research grants you more than just a glimpse into their strategies. Our publications don’t just satisfy this curiosity... they arm you with the same high-caliber information these seasoned investors rely on to construct their portfolios. This is your opportunity to align your investment approach with the best in the business, transforming the way you evaluate and make investment decisions.
Join VMF Research today and start tailoring your portfolio with the insight of the pros.
From Wants to Needs: Shaping Financial Success Together
Our value proposition extends beyond merely satisfying your immediate wants... what exactly do we mean by that?
Well, we recognize that many investors who subscribe to independent research services are in search of actionable investment recommendations, often with high expectations for immediate, substantial returns. While we steer clear of hyperbolic or overly promotional content, we certainly cater to these aspirations. In fact, we publish actionable investment ideas across multiple asset classes and offer model portfolios that are meticulously constructed and optimized through our proprietary investment process—which you can learn more about here.
While we strive to fulfill your immediate investment wants, our deeper commitment lies in addressing your essential investing needs. This journey goes beyond mere recommendations, helping you to develop, refine, and implement a robust investment process... precisely the key distinction between novices and seasoned investors, amateurs and the pros. Part of this transformation involves equipping you with critical insights to recognize and mitigate cognitive and emotional biases, which are often at the root of costly investment mistakes.
The trend towards self-directed investing—with its broader options, lower costs, and greater financial control—is one we wholeheartedly support. However, we also understand that with increased autonomy comes the need for enhanced decision-making skills to secure favorable returns and achieve broader life objectives... such as retirement planning, quality of life improvements, or creating a lasting legacy.
At VMF Research, we bridge the gap between your wants and needs, equipping you with the insights and tools necessary for a successful investment journey.
Our ultimate goal is clear: to help you find your edge!
These are indeed bold statements, promising an array of advantages that significantly outweigh our subscription fees.
You might wonder, how can we make such compelling claims?
Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Vasco Marques de Freitas, the founder of VMF Research.
Charting My Course: The Journey to Realizing a Dream
Over the past 18 years, I've been deeply immersed in the world of investing and professional portfolio management, skillfully navigating the complexities of both private and public markets. During this time, my investment endeavors have encompassed a vast array of asset classes. These include public equities and fixed-income, as well as a broad spectrum of alternative investments... from real estate and commodities to private equity and the burgeoning realm of cryptocurrencies.
A pivotal moment in my career, and one that fundamentally shapes VMF Research's raison d'être, was the 2007 acquisition of a stake in a then-modest wealth management firm in Portugal... which was managing just over €40 million in assets. Taking on a variety of roles within the company—from portfolio manager and Head of Equities to a key member of the Investment Committee—I played an integral part in its evolution at every level. This entrepreneurial journey of growth and personal development is part of a wider story of success... one that has since propelled the firm to become Portugal’s premier independent wealth manager, now overseeing more than €1.4 billion in assets.
This journey has been marked by formidable challenges. Together, we've navigated the turbulence of major financial upheavals, including the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, the 2010 European Debt Crisis (which deeply impacted Portugal's financial system), the unprecedented global pandemic in 2020, and the recent inflationary surge. These events have not just tried and tested me... they've refined my expertise and fortified my resilience in the financial markets' battlefield.
My hands-on investment experience has been complemented by detailed due diligence, through which I've engaged with some of the industry's leading hedge fund and mutual fund managers, spanning a multitude of asset classes and strategies. I've also delved into the investment processes and strategic asset allocations employed by some of Europe's premier wealth managers and private banks. This vast pool of knowledge, accumulated through years of meticulous study and practice, is now readily accessible to you. Our services, from strategic asset allocation in our foundational offerings to nuanced security selection and advanced alpha-generating strategies in our premium tiers, are infused with the insights I've gained. Each aspect of VMF Research is designed to offer a comprehensive and synergistic approach, tailored to meet your investment needs.
Adding to my practical experience, I proudly hold the esteemed CFA and CMT charters, underscoring my expertise in portfolio construction, financial analysis, and risk management. These credentials are more than markers of professional skill, they reflect a deep-seated commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards within the investment industry. At VMF Research, ethical integrity isn’t just a part of our operational framework—it’s the bedrock. Our approach transcends mere adherence to ethical practices... we prioritize your interests above all else.
With a rich blend of hands-on experience, academic rigor, and technical proficiency, I bring to VMF Research a value proposition that is both compelling and unique.
The decision to launch VMF Research was not made lightly. The wealth management firm I had previously invested in didn't just grow vigorously over the years... it transformed into a diversified holding company. Under our guidance, a diverse portfolio of private companies was carefully assembled, leading these enterprises to flourish. By the time of my departure, the holding company operated in 10 countries across 7 industries and boasted consolidated sales of €300 million—a testament to the ambitious beginnings from which we started.
Why, then, did I choose to sell my stake in such a successful venture? The decision was driven by a recognition of the changing landscape of the financial markets and a deep understanding that every investment has its lifecycle. There comes a moment when it is prudent to capitalize on success and pivot towards new opportunities. For me, that pivot is VMF Research—a platform dedicated to sharing the insights gleaned from years at the forefront of finance, and to exploring the evolving dynamics of investment in a world that never stands still.
VMF Research represents a new chapter, one where the accumulated wisdom from years of investment and management can be directly passed on to you, enabling informed decisions in an ever-changing market.
VMF Research is here to be your guide on your journey to financial independence and control. In launching this venture, I've embraced the privilege of guiding you from the comfort of my own home, ensuring that every piece of advice and insight we offer is infused with a personal touch and the tranquility that fosters deep strategic thinking. As we introduce our high-value services at special introductory rates, now is the time to join the VMF Research community.