The Trend Following Bible: How Professional Traders Compound Wealth and Manage Risk

INTRODUCTION

My Journey as a Trend Follower

Things that happen many times are not a coincidence. Probably today and even more so in 1994 very few people had ever heard of the phrases “trend follower” or “trend following.” I stumbled on the phrase “trend following” by sheer luck. I sold a business that I started in college in 1994. I had saved the majority of the money over the years and even acquired more money upon the sale of the business. I had no idea how to invest it. I was not comfortable with the stock market after witnessing the 1987 stock market crash as well as the stock volatility in the early 1990s. As I have always done, I tried to surround myself with the smartest people I could. I asked my accountant what he suggested. He told me that he had a client who owned a commodity brokerage firm who was very successful and suggested I meet him. My accountant was in his mid-60s with a rather large practice, therefore he had seen a very large pool of clients, and I trusted his unbiased opinion.

I wanted to learn how my money could work for me and compound over time. I was overwhelmed with all the books and courses that offered so-called magical success and millionaire traders who really weren't.

I started my journey of learning. Market Wizards by Jack Schwager mesmerized me and has encouraged me. My journey of trend following began. This journey was more like a marathon and still is.

I probably made every mistake possible. Working past mistakes and a bad memory is very tough ...