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I agree although some rough tome adjustments are possible with the dynamic window in the bottom panel - the left and right sides are moveable, and the window as a whole can slide (maintaining the width/timeframe). But it is difficult to achieve precise start and end dates from this. At best, clunky.
Having to use a slider to set window dates is an issue I have with StockCharts as well. At least that site gives you minimal digital controls.
You can set the width of the window by number of days (numeric, i.e. digital sizing) by double clicking on the number of days in the slider bar. However, it scales only by trading days, which can vary by month, year, even week. Set it at five days, and you'll get the last 8, not 7, calendar days, because markets were closed Memorial Day.
There is also minimal digital control over the positioning of the window by using arrow keys to move one day at a time rather than the more analog dragging of the bar. Combing the ability to size the window (by trading days) with the ability to slide the window discretely (one day at a time), and one can specify exact dates In StockCharts, barely.
Overall, a slight improvement over what M* provides, but still inadequate, especially since the free version seems to go back only to 1999, or less for some funds, e.g. VPMCX (though inception was Nov 1984). Other options?
M* legacy charts still work (sometimes; they've been unreliable lately). They allow one to input precise dates for start and end points. Though you're limited to specifying benchmarks for comparison; you can not compare a fund with an arbitrary ticker. https://quotes.morningstar.com/chart/fund/chart?t=VWELX (change ticker as desired)
Free Stockcharts SharpCharts do allow start and end dates. Problem is that links soon default to 1-yr unless one uses screenshots to capture the charts.
PerfCharts do have that adjustable window at the bottom.
I haven't heard back from my contact at M* since 6/1/22 and there hasn't been any changes either. So, may be the degradation of the chart feature was intentional by M*.
Stockcharts is a good alternative. PV is OK to some extent. Below are OEF VFIAX / SP500 and ETF QQQ for 1 yr.
I have been using Stockcharts but it does not recognize all tickers (not just different classes). M* charts used to recognize more tickers than stockcharts but looks like we have to make do with stockcharts until M* decides to revert back.
One way to do it is to select a date range from the chart that incorporates the dates you're interested in (in this example three years would work). When the chart pops up move your cursor along the graph and you'll see daily dates whirring by. Find the one you want, but note you'll have to do your own math in order to determine the return during that custom period. The other way to approach it is to slide along the graph at the bottom of the chart but it's pretty fussy and difficult to pinpoint the dates you're interested in. Those are my work-arounds, so far at least.
Works for me. Moved the left slider to March 15th, and graph reports a loss of 1.77%. Yahoo finance says the loss was 1.76%. Those are not 3 month losses or YTD losses.
Not for me. When I move the slider to the left, the VWINX total return number does not change. Anybody else? Anybody have a clue? When I set my slider at 3/15/2021, the far left hand date is 11/29/2019.
I got close to @msf by moving the left slider- I am getting month ends, so 2/28/21, 3/31/21, etc. EDIT - I just noticed that msf did 3/15/22 (not 3/15/21), so that may be why he didn't run into month end issue.
When I start by clicking on different Max, 10Y, 5YR and then enter 3/15/21 slider date.....I get different left hand chart start dates. I also notice your screen print shows a shaded start and end date that msf and myself does not have.
Another test with another ticker, VFIAX. In my browsers , date windows appear only at 170-175% browser magnification (Chrome 175%,Edge 175%, Firefox 170% ), but once set, they stick. Date windows disappear for lower AND higher magnifications. So, this is the workaround and I will post it separately.
@yogibearbull seems to be right about the slider giving daily granularity only for more recent dates. And about my using 2022, not 2021. As I recall, the old chart tool had a similar issue that if you went back far enough in time you couldn't coax daily changes out of it. Not sure about that, though.
I've tried chrome and edge, both logged in and anonymous and at no magnification do the date boxes appear for me. I've also experimented a little with disabling my ad blocker. There must be some other setting/configuration issue at play here. Not worth it to me to figure it out.
FWIW, the old charts seem to be working again, and they always have the input dates. Though you can't compare with anything but benchmarks.
On the plus side, they're shareable/linkable, so you can follow this link and I don't have to take a screenshot and upload it. VWINX old chart from March 15, 2021
ISTM that the interactive M* charting has once again disappeared. It used to be available in the "Quote" and the "Performance" tabs, but I can no longer see it. So many members have given up on M* that maybe I'm the only one who noticed.
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Zero plans to pay for it.
Having to use a slider to set window dates is an issue I have with StockCharts as well. At least that site gives you minimal digital controls.
You can set the width of the window by number of days (numeric, i.e. digital sizing) by double clicking on the number of days in the slider bar. However, it scales only by trading days, which can vary by month, year, even week. Set it at five days, and you'll get the last 8, not 7, calendar days, because markets were closed Memorial Day.
There is also minimal digital control over the positioning of the window by using arrow keys to move one day at a time rather than the more analog dragging of the bar. Combing the ability to size the window (by trading days) with the ability to slide the window discretely (one day at a time), and one can specify exact dates In StockCharts, barely.
Overall, a slight improvement over what M* provides, but still inadequate, especially since the free version seems to go back only to 1999, or less for some funds, e.g. VPMCX (though inception was Nov 1984). Other options?
M* legacy charts still work (sometimes; they've been unreliable lately). They allow one to input precise dates for start and end points. Though you're limited to specifying benchmarks for comparison; you can not compare a fund with an arbitrary ticker.
https://quotes.morningstar.com/chart/fund/chart?t=VWELX (change ticker as desired)
PerfCharts do have that adjustable window at the bottom.
Is there no hope of getting back the M* chart features such as date range and being able to compare mutual funds and ETFs, etc.?
Stockcharts is a good alternative. PV is OK to some extent. Below are OEF VFIAX / SP500 and ETF QQQ for 1 yr.
https://stockcharts.com/h-perf/ui?s=VFIAX&compare=QQQ&id=p11226189239
PV VFIA-X QQQ
Please list steps.
When I set my slider at 3/15/2021, the far left hand date is 11/29/2019.
I didn't notice it before. It seems that the date windows appear on HIGH browser magnifications (175%+) and are editable!
I've tried chrome and edge, both logged in and anonymous and at no magnification do the date boxes appear for me. I've also experimented a little with disabling my ad blocker. There must be some other setting/configuration issue at play here. Not worth it to me to figure it out.
FWIW, the old charts seem to be working again, and they always have the input dates. Though you can't compare with anything but benchmarks.
On the plus side, they're shareable/linkable, so you can follow this link and I don't have to take a screenshot and upload it.
VWINX old chart from March 15, 2021
You're not alone; some of us are also for the ride, going down with the sinking ship