Thomas F. Basso is 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. In 1998, he was elected to the board of the National Futures Association. Basso is widely known in the trading community as "Mr. Serenity" due to his calm and disciplined approach to trading. He was featured in Jack Schwager's book "The New Market Wizards" and has been interviewed in various financial publications, including Forbes and Bloomberg, where he shared insights on market trends and trading strategies.

Education

Basso graduated from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York in 1974, where he majored in chemical engineering.

Career

Before trading, Basso became an engineer for Monsanto Company. Basso became a registered investment advisor in 1980 and a registered commodities advisor in 1984. He founded Trendstat Capital in 1984, and served as its CEO until his retirement. At Trendstat Capital, Basso developed and implemented systematic trading strategies, focusing on trend-following approaches in futures markets. His firm managed over $600 million at its peak and was known for its consistent performance over two decades. Retired from active trading in 2003, he is enjoying managing his own portfolios and helping new traders learn their craft.

Trading Philosophy

Basso is known for his systematic approach to trading and his emphasis on risk management. He advocates for a long-term perspective and emotional control in trading. Some of his key principles include:

Legacy and Influence

Basso's approach to trading and risk management has influenced many traders and fund managers. He continues to share his knowledge through interviews, podcasts, and occasional speaking engagements. His emphasis on psychological preparation and discipline in trading has made him a respected figure in the trading community.