Benefic and Malefic
Benefics are the planets the tradition reads as helpful (Jupiter, Venus, often Moon and Mercury); malefics as challenging (Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, Sun).
The two groups
Classical astrology sorts planets by nature. Natural benefics are Jupiter and Venus, plus a waxing Moon and an unafflicted Mercury. Natural malefics are Saturn, Mars, Rahu and Ketu, with the Sun mildly malefic. A planet's condition matters too: a strong, well-placed malefic can still give good results, and a weak benefic may not help much.
Why it matters here
AstroFinex's stance is built on this balance. The engine weighs benefic against malefic influence on a chart, adjusted for whether each planet is strong or afflicted, and reports which way the tradition reads the period: higher, lower or level.
A note on honesty
This is how the classical tradition reads the sky. AstroFinex grades its published direction against real prices, and nothing on the site claims the direction beats a coin flip.