> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chicago.global/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start Guide

> Get started with Parallax in minutes - from portfolio upload to AI-powered insights

**Start experiencing Parallax's value in under 5 minutes.** The fastest way to see what makes Parallax powerful is to upload your existing portfolio and get instant AI-powered insights.

## Step 1: Access Parallax & Upload Your Portfolio

**Your existing portfolio is your starting point.** Parallax's core value comes from analyzing what you already own.

1. **Navigate to the Platform**: Go to [parallax.chicago.global](https://parallax.chicago.global)
2. **Sign In**: Click "Sign In" in the top right corner or "Get Started" for new accounts
3. **Go Directly to Analyzer**: Click the **"Analyzer"** tab in the main navigation
4. **Upload Your Portfolio**:
   * Click "Upload Portfolio" or "Import Holdings"
   * Enter your holdings manually (ticker symbols and quantities)
   * Or upload a CSV/Excel file with your positions

<Note>
  **Why start here?** Most investment platforms make you start from scratch. Parallax's AI analyzes your existing portfolio first, then shows you exactly how to improve it.
</Note>

## Step 2: Get Instant AI-Powered Insights

Once your portfolio is uploaded, Parallax's AI immediately analyzes your holdings and generates powerful insights:

**What You'll See Instantly:**

1. **Portfolio Dashboard**: Overall portfolio score, risk level, and performance metrics
2. **Factor Analysis**: How your portfolio scores on Value, Quality, Momentum, Defensive, and Size factors
3. **Risk Assessment**: Concentration risk, sector allocation, and diversification analysis
4. **AI Insights**: Personalized recommendations and risk alerts
5. **Performance Attribution**: Which holdings are helping/hurting your returns

**Key Questions Parallax Answers:**

* "What are my biggest risks right now?"
* "Which holdings should I consider selling?"
* "Where am I over/under-exposed?"
* "How does my portfolio compare to institutional strategies?"

<Tip>
  **Game-Changer**: This analysis typically costs \$1000+ from wealth managers. Parallax delivers it instantly and updates it continuously.
</Tip>

## Step 3: Chat with Your Portfolio

**Ask your portfolio questions using natural language.** Parallax's AI can answer complex questions about your investments.

**Try These Questions:**

* "What would happen to my portfolio if interest rates increase by 2%?"
* "Which of my holdings are most vulnerable to interest rate increases?"
* "Show me stocks similar to Apple but with better value scores"
* "What sectors am I under-weighted in compared to the S\&P 500?"
* "Which of my positions have the worst momentum?"

**Advanced AI Analysis:**

* **Scenario Analysis**: "How would my portfolio perform in a recession?"
* **Factor Exposure**: "Am I too concentrated in growth stocks?"
* **Risk Assessment**: "What's my biggest single-stock risk?"
* **Optimization**: "How can I improve my risk-adjusted returns?"

<Note>
  **AI Advantage**: This is like having a quantitative analyst available 24/7. Ask questions you'd never think to ask traditional tools.
</Note>

## Step 4: Explore Building New Portfolios

**After understanding your current portfolio, explore creating optimized portfolios.** Use AI or browse pre-built institutional strategies.

**Option A: AI Portfolio Builder**

1. **Click "Portfolio Builder"** in the main navigation
2. **Describe Your Goal** in natural language:
   * "Conservative portfolio for retirement in 10 years"
   * "Growth portfolio focused on technology with international exposure"
   * "Balanced portfolio avoiding ESG risks"
3. **AI generates a complete portfolio** with holdings, weights, and rationale
4. **Customize as needed** - add/remove stocks, adjust weights

**Option B: Curated Portfolios**

1. **Click "Curated Portfolio"** to browse institutional-grade strategies
2. **Explore Themes**:
   * **Thematic**: "Generative AI", "Breakthrough Bio Tech", "Founder-Led Tech"
   * **Strategic**: "Cash is King", "ESG Leaders", "Emerging Theme Radar"
3. **Review Performance**: See historical returns and risk metrics
4. **Adapt to Your Needs**: Use as-is or modify for your situation

<Tip>
  **Smart Approach**: Start with curated portfolios for ideas, then use the Portfolio Builder to customize for your specific goals.
</Tip>

## Step 5: Discover New Opportunities

**Use Parallax's research tools to find your next great investment.** Systematic screening and market intelligence help identify opportunities.

**Markets Dashboard:**

1. **Click "Markets"** to get global market context
2. **Review Sector Performance**: See which sectors are rotating in/out of favor
3. **Global Indices**: Track major markets (US, Europe, Asia-Pacific)
4. **FX & Trading**: Monitor currency impacts on international positions

**Stock Screener:**

1. **Use Preset Strategies**: "High Value Stocks", "Momentum Picks", "Defensive Plays"
2. **Advanced Screening**: Set custom filters for Value, Quality, Momentum scores
3. **Global Coverage**: Screen across developed and emerging markets
4. **Export Results**: Save promising candidates to watchlists

<Note>
  **Research Tip**: Use the screener to find stocks that complement your existing portfolio's factor exposures.
</Note>

## Step 6: Stay Informed & Monitor

**Set up ongoing monitoring and stay ahead of market changes.**

**Watchlists & Monitoring:**

1. **Create Watchlists**: Build lists like "Portfolio Candidates", "Earnings Calendar", "Sector Rotation Plays"
2. **Real-Time Alerts**: Get notified when scores change significantly
3. **Price Tracking**: Monitor your holdings and watchlist candidates

**News Intelligence:**

* **Portfolio-Relevant News**: Parallax curates news specifically relevant to your holdings
* **Market Research**: Access institutional-grade research and market commentary
* **Event Tracking**: Economic calendar and earnings alerts

**The Complete Parallax Workflow:**

1. **Upload Portfolio** → Get AI analysis
2. **Chat with Portfolio** → Ask specific questions
3. **Build New Portfolio** → Use AI or curated strategies
4. **Screen for Opportunities** → Find complementary investments
5. **Monitor & Research** → Stay informed and track changes

<Tip>
  **Daily Habit**: Check portfolio insights and news in the morning, screen for opportunities weekly, and review holdings monthly.
</Tip>

## Why This Approach Works

| Traditional Platforms               | Parallax Approach                                           |
| ----------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Start with theory, endless research | Start with what you own                                     |
| Build from scratch                  | Get insights immediately, then optimize                     |
| "Here's how to pick stocks"         | "Here's what's wrong with your portfolio and how to fix it" |

This portfolio-first approach means you get value in minutes, not months.

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is my portfolio data secure when I upload it?">
    Yes. Parallax uses bank-level encryption and never stores unnecessary personal information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How often should I check my portfolio analysis?">
    Daily for quick insights, weekly for screening opportunities, monthly for major rebalancing.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I don't have an existing portfolio?">
    Start with the "Curated Portfolio" section to browse institutional strategies, then use Portfolio Builder to create your first portfolio.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How are the AI recommendations generated?">
    Our AI analyzes your portfolio against institutional-grade quantitative models, academic research, and real-time market data.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Platform Tour

### Main Navigation Elements

**Primary Navigation Bar**:

| Left Side - Core Features           | Right Side - Secondary Features      |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Dashboard - Home base with overview | Watchlists - Monitor specific stocks |
| Screener - Stock filtering          | News - Market intelligence           |
| Builder - AI portfolio construction | Settings - Account preferences       |
| Analyzer - Portfolio analysis       |                                      |
| Analytics - Quantitative dashboard  |                                      |

### Quick Navigation Tips

* **Dashboard**: Your command center with quick access to all features
* **Feature Integration**: Tools work together—screener results feed into builder, builder output goes to analyzer
* **Context Preservation**: Platform remembers your work across sessions
* **Keyboard Shortcuts**: `Ctrl/Cmd + K` for quick search, `Ctrl/Cmd + D` to return to dashboard

Ready to start? **Upload your portfolio now** and see what institutional-grade analysis reveals about your investments.