Michael Covel: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Michael Covel’s Profile Summary

Company	TrendFollowing.com
Position	Founder
Source of wealth	Books, consulting services, educational programs on trend following, speaking engagements, podcast revenues.
Also known as	Author, podcast host, documentary filmmaker.
Age	57
Education	Michael Covel’s educational background is not prominently mentioned in available verified sources
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Quantico, Virginia, USA
Family	There is no publicly available detailed information about his family
Website, Social Media	https://www.trendfollowing.com/ https://x.com/covel

Biography

Michael Covel, born in 1968, is a prominent figure in the world of finance, best known for his contributions to popularizing the trend following trading strategy. He founded TrendFollowing.com, a widely recognized platform that educates investors on strategies that focus on capitalizing on market trends, regardless of market direction. Covel has written several best-selling books, including Trend Following and The Complete TurtleTrader, which have been translated into multiple languages and are considered essential readings for traders worldwide. His works, including books and documentaries, have reached a global audience, positioning him as a thought leader in the investment community. In addition to his writing, Covel is the host of Trend Following Radio, a podcast that has garnered millions of listens, featuring interviews with renowned economists, traders, and thought leaders. His documentary film, Broke: The New American Dream, critically examined the 2008 financial crisis, exploring themes of economic volatility and personal financial responsibility. Covel's expertise lies in simplifying complex trading concepts, making them accessible to both novice and experienced traders. Over the years, he has trained thousands of individuals across more than 70 countries

Founder and host of Trend Following Radio, continuing regular episodes through at least September 2025.

How did Michael Covel make money?

Michael Covel makes money in the following areas:

Books, consulting services, educational programs on trend following, speaking engagements, podcast revenues.
What is Michael Covel net worth?

As of 2026, Michael Covel’s net worth is estimated to be $5M.

What is Michael Covel also known as?

Michael Covel is also well-known as an author of several influential books on trading, including international bestsellers such as Trend Following and The Complete TurtleTrader. His books have served as educational resources for traders

Prominent achievements

Covel is the author of several best-selling books on trend following, including Trend Following and The Complete TurtleTrader, which have sold over 100,000 copies and been translated into multiple languages. He directed the documentary Broke: The New American Dream, which aired on Discovery Channel. His podcast, Trend Following Radio, has featured numerous Nobel laureates and influential traders

Trend Following Radio exceeded 1,350 episodes with new releases in August–September 2025.

Trading Strategy

Michael Covel promotes trend-following strategies rooted in systematic, rules-based trading across diverse asset classes. He does not trade actively himself but has extensively documented and advocated for the approaches used by traders like Richard Dennis, Bill Dunn, and Ed Seykota. Covel emphasizes entering markets after trends are clearly established, typically using breakout systems, moving averages, or volatility filters to trigger entries and exits.

His approach avoids forecasting or fundamentals—instead, trades are taken purely on price behavior, with positions held as long as the trend persists. Stops are pre-defined and dynamically adjusted using volatility-based measures. Covel stresses risk management, emotional neutrality, and letting profits run, arguing that a small number of trades typically generate the bulk of returns. The core idea is to trade many markets, cut losers quickly, and ride winners without trying to predict tops or bottoms.

What are Michael Covel’s key insights?

Michael Covel champions trend following as a systematic, rules-based strategy that works across asset classes and market regimes. In Trend Following, he argues that traders should focus on price alone, not fundamentals or predictions. The essence of trend following is to enter when price begins moving in one direction, ride the trend as long as it lasts, and exit when it reverses—cutting losses quickly and letting winners run.

Covel stresses that successful trend followers use volatility-based position sizing, trade across diversified markets, and accept that the majority of trades will result in small losses. In The Complete TurtleTrader, he documents how novices trained by Richard Dennis became million-dollar traders by following strict mechanical rules. The core lesson: discipline and consistency matter more than forecasting. Covel’s work highlights that emotional detachment, risk control, and a probabilistic mindset are vital for long-term success.

Personal life

Covel keeps his personal life private, and there are no detailed public records about his immediate family

Useful insights

Essential books for stock and Forex traders

These essential books provide traders with timeless strategies and practical knowledge to build a strong foundation in stock and Forex markets, and enhance trading success.

Alexander Elder - "Trading for a Living"
- Summary:
  
  Elder’s book is a comprehensive guide that covers the mental, technical, and risk management aspects of trading. It combines psychological discipline, effective trading strategies, and money management techniques to help traders build a sustainable career.
- Why read it:
  
  It is a great starting point for beginners and a valuable resource for experienced traders who want to refine their approach. Elder's focus on the psychology of trading is particularly useful for developing discipline and avoiding common emotional pitfalls.
Jack D. Schwager - "Market Wizards"
- Summary:
  
  In this classic work, Schwager interviews some of the world’s most successful traders, uncovering their strategies, mindsets, and trading philosophies. The book provides a rare glimpse into the minds of top traders across various markets, including stocks, Forex, and futures.
- Why read it:
  
  Learning directly from legendary traders can help you adopt proven strategies and avoid costly mistakes. The interviews offer timeless insights that can benefit both novice and seasoned traders.