Tom Basso: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Tom Basso’s Profile Summary

Company	Trendstat Capital
Position	President and Founder of Trendstat Capital Management, a financial services and consulting firm specializing in trend-following and systematic trading strategies.
Source of wealth	Management fees and performance fees from Trendstat Capital Management, profits from personal trading strategies in futures, options, and real estate investments
Also known as	Author, Speaker, Trading Coach.
Age	75
Education	Clarkson University – Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering
Citizenship	United States
Residence	San Francisco, California, USA
Family	Tom Basso is married to his wife, Linda Basso
Website, Social Media	https://www.trendstat.in/

Tom Basso’s biography

Tom Basso, also known as "Mr. Serenity" for his calm and composed approach to trading, is an American trader, author, and former hedge fund manager. He earned his degree in chemical engineering from Clarkson University and began his career in the engineering field before transitioning to the financial markets. In 1984, Basso founded Trendstat Capital Management, where he implemented long-term trend-following strategies and grew the firm to manage $600 million at its peak. Basso gained widespread recognition after being featured in Jack Schwager’s "The New Market Wizards," where he shared his trading philosophy focused on risk management, diversification, and systematic approaches. Throughout his career, Basso emphasized maintaining a balance between personal life and trading, encouraging traders to enjoy the journey. After retiring from active trading in 2003, Basso continued to share his knowledge through books, interviews, and his website, "Enjoy The Ride," dedicated to trader education. He is also a member of the board of the National Futures Association (NFA) and remains a well-respected figure in the financial community

How did Tom Basso make money?

Tom Basso makes money in the following areas:

Management fees and performance fees from Trendstat Capital Management, profits from personal trading strategies in futures, options, and real estate investments
What is Tom Basso net worth?

As of 2025, Tom Basso’s net worth is estimated to be $20M.

What is Tom Basso also known as?

Tom Basso is widely recognized as an author of several influential books on trading, including Panic-Proof Investing and The All-Weather Trader. His works focus on trading psychology, risk management, and systematic trading strategies. Basso has also become a prominent speaker, frequently invited to share his insights on financial markets and trading systems at conferences and in interviews. Moreover, he is a trading coach, using his website "Enjoy the Ride" to offer educational resources and guidance for both new and experienced traders. Through these various roles, he has helped to shape the perspectives and strategies of traders worldwide

Prominent achievements of Tom Basso

Tom Basso was featured in Jack Schwager’s "The New Market Wizards", which highlighted his success as a trader, his firm Trendstat Capital reached $600 million in assets under management at its peak, he was elected to the board of the National Futures Association, he was recognized by Futures Magazine as one of the top 100 traders of the century, and he is also a member of the Trader Hall of Fame

What are Tom Basso’s key insights?

Tom Basso’s business philosophy centers on risk management, discipline, and systematic trading. He advocates for the importance of a well-defined trading plan, diversification to minimize risk, and the emotional detachment required for long-term success in markets. Basso emphasizes that traders should enjoy the process and not become overwhelmed by market fluctuations, a philosophy he refers to as "enjoying the ride." His systematic approach includes strict rules for position sizing and cutting losses early

Tom Basso’s personal life

Tom Basso’s family includes his wife, Linda. Although he is a public figure in the trading world, he maintains a private lifestyle, and detailed information about other family members, such as children, has not been publicly disclosed

Useful insights

Advanced strategies for stock and Forex traders

As you progress in your trading journey, it is important to explore more advanced strategies. These books dive deeper into technical analysis and trading psychology, helping traders improve their edge.

John Bollinger – "Bollinger on Bollinger Bands"
- Summary:
  
  Bollinger, the creator of Bollinger Bands, provides an in-depth explanation of how to use this technical indicator to measure market volatility and identify trading opportunities. The book includes detailed examples of how Bollinger Bands can be applied in various market conditions.
- Why read it:
  
  Understanding how to use technical indicators like Bollinger Bands is crucial for identifying market trends and making informed decisions. This book is essential for traders looking to master volatility-based strategies.
Al Brooks – "Trading Price Action Trends"
- Summary:
  
  Brooks focuses on price action trading, a strategy that relies on interpreting raw price movements without the use of lagging indicators. His book teaches how to read price charts, identify trends, and use support and resistance levels effectively.
- Why read it:
  
  As one of the purest forms of technical analysis, price action trading can significantly enhance a trader's ability to react to market movements. Traders seeking a deeper understanding of market behavior will find Brooks' insights invaluable.