Three-layer thesis

Cortana runs three trading layers in parallel. Each has a distinct risk profile and time horizon. Each is an independent spoke into the signal hub. All three are required - not because each is a hedge against the others, but because each plays a different role in the operation.

The three roles

• Layer 1 - 0DTE cash generation. Daily cash flow. The base-hit income that funds the operation. Quick slant or out route.
• Layer 2 - swing trades. Compound capital on 2-5 day trajectories. Technical setups and short-term catalysts in individual equities.
• Layer 3 - trend trades. Longer holds on congressional disclosures, insider filings, macro regime signals. Position for multi-month / multi-quarter trends. Where Munger 200-week MA framework meets economic moat thinking.

Why all three, not one

• Layer 1 alone = income without compounding.
• Layer 2 alone = compounding without cash flow.
• Layer 3 alone = cycle exposure with no operational liquidity.

The three together fund the operation, compound the capital, and capture the generational-wealth moves. Missing any one breaks the operation.

Sequencing

Layer 1 must be proven live before capital or development time flows to Layer 3. This is a deliberate sequencing decision - not a hedge against Layer 3 being wrong, but a recognition that live operational discipline on Layer 1 is the prerequisite for taking Layer 3 seriously.

Order of work:

1. Layer 1 paper → small live sleeve
2. John’s Layer 2 beta → integrated into hub, same validation discipline
3. Layer 3 design and build (post-Asymbl acquisition)

Targets

• Layer 1: 10% wins, 80% win rate, with larger upside when price action confirms intraday
• Layer 2: [No data yet] - compounding targets TBD post-integration
• Layer 3: [No data yet] - macro-cycle positioning targets TBD

See Also

• projects/cortana.md
• concepts/hub-and-spoke-signal-engine.md
• concepts/paper-first-capital-second.md