Ep. 1317: Tom Basso Interview with Michael Covel on Trend Following Radio
Dec 16, 2024
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In this conversation, Tom Basso, an esteemed hedge fund manager and author known as "Mr. Serenity," shares his insights on a range of thought-provoking topics. He discusses the importance of equal opportunity versus equal outcomes in achieving success. Basso critiques government spending and highlights the necessity of an efficient economic policy. He emphasizes education's role in trading and discusses overcoming public speaking fears. Lastly, he touches on the dynamics of polling versus betting markets and shares personal anecdotes from his trading journey.
Tom Basso emphasizes the critical distinction between equal opportunity and equal outcomes, advocating for individual skill leverage in the marketplace.
Aspiring traders should cultivate a blend of technical skills in math and data processing alongside effective communication to succeed in today's trading environment.
Deep dives
Tom Basso's Retirement Journey
Tom Basso retired at the age of 51 but continues to engage actively in trading and interviews, showcasing a remarkable shift in his life post-retirement. Initially, he took a year off from trading, focusing instead on personal activities like gardening, working out, and golfing. However, his return to the financial world was prompted by demands from friends and social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a resurgence in his popularity as a financial commentator. Over time, he has gained a large following, suggesting that his insights and positive demeanor resonate with many more people now than when he was a money manager.
Equal Opportunity vs. Equal Outcome
Basso emphasizes the principle of equal opportunity in society, arguing that forcing equal outcomes undermines the functionality of civilization. He asserts that the market provides an essential platform where individuals, despite differing backgrounds and skills, can seize opportunities to succeed. By sharing his journey and referencing successful individuals like Ben Carson, he illustrates that hard work and persistence can lead to success, regardless of starting point. The key, he states, is allowing individuals to leverage their unique skills and experiences in the marketplace rather than striving for artificially imposed equality.
Education and Skill Development for Traders
Basso advises aspiring traders to focus on essential skills such as math and computer science to thrive in trading environments. He notes that while advanced mathematics is not always necessary, understanding data processing is crucial in today’s fast-paced trading landscape. Basso also encourages a foundational knowledge of economics and accounting, emphasizing the importance of being able to communicate effectively with clients. This blend of technical and soft skills is vital for anyone looking to manage investments or run a successful trading business.
The Shifting Landscape of Fund Management
The landscape of fund management has transformed significantly since Basso first entered the field, making it increasingly difficult for new managers to set up shop independently. He highlights that today's regulatory environment demands substantial capital, compliance systems, and professional infrastructure, which was not the case during his early career. This shift means that new fund managers must navigate complex challenges and higher expectations from both clients and regulatory bodies. Basso reflects on how the competitive landscape has evolved, noting that first-mover advantages are no longer as prevalent as they once were.
My guest today is Tom Basso, an American hedge fund manager. He was president and founder of Trendstat Capital Management. He is the author of two books, Panic-Proof Investing and the self-published The Frustrated Investor. Tom is widely known in the trading community as "Mr. Serenity" due to his calm and disciplined approach to trading.
The topic is Trend Following.
In this episode of Trend Following Radio we discuss:
Equal opportunity v. equal outcomes
Government spending, efficiency, and economic policy
Importance of education in trading
Public speaking
Timeless principles in trading
Starting a fund management firm
Elon Musk’s mindset and influence
Jump in!
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I’m MICHAEL COVEL, the host of TREND FOLLOWING RADIO, and I’m proud to have delivered 10+ million podcast listens since 2012. Investments, economics, psychology, politics, decision-making, human behavior, entrepreneurship and trend following are all passionately explored and debated on my show.
To start? I’d like to give you a great piece of advice you can use in your life and trading journey… cut your losses! You will find much more about that philosophy here: https://www.trendfollowing.com/trend/