Today on the podcast Michael Covel speaks with Perry Kaufman. Kaufman is an American systematic trader, index developer, and quantitative financial theorist. He is considered a leading expert in the development of fully algorithmic trading programs. Covel and Kaufman discuss how Kaufman came to the idea of 100% algorithmic trading systems; the difference between being systematic and being automated; optimization vs. validation; the biggest advantages of testing; why discretion is not part of Kaufman’s toolbox; the problem of tail events; why discipline is the most important characteristic of a systematic trader; the “loose pants fit everyone” philosophy; preparing yourself for uncertainty; comparisons between risk management and risk measurement; the Sharpe ratio; high volatility trades vs. low volatility; why Kaufman places equal weight on both risk management and the underlying system; and systematic trading in established mature markets vs. emerging markets. For more information on Perry Kaufman, visit Amphi Capital. Want a free trend following DVD? Go to trendfollowing.com/win.