Introduction to Market Beaters
If you’re serious about trading, especially systematic trading, Market Beaters by Art Collins is a book you can’t afford to miss. Published in 2006 by Traders Press, this book offers a wealth of insights from seasoned traders who have consistently beaten the market. Collins, a veteran trader, brings together a series of interviews and personal experiences from successful traders, providing a resource that’s particularly valuable for intermediate to advanced traders eager to refine their strategies.
Art Collins’ Background
Art Collins isn’t just another voice in the trading world—he’s a trader with decades of experience and deep expertise in systematic trading. Throughout his career, Collins has successfully navigated the markets, honing his skills in risk management and trader psychology. His commitment to systematic trading shines through in Market Beaters, where he shares lessons and strategies that can only come from someone who has been in the trenches.
Summary of Market Beaters
Market Beaters is structured around interviews with top traders, each providing their own insights into what makes a trading strategy successful. The book delves into:
- Systematic Trading Strategies: A detailed exploration of rules-based approaches used by successful traders.
- Risk Management: Practical advice on how to manage risk effectively for long-term success.
- Backtesting: The importance of rigorous backtesting to validate trading systems.
- Trader Psychology: How the best traders manage their emotions and maintain discipline.
- Diverse Trading Approaches: From trend-following to mean reversion, the book covers a range of strategies that have stood the test of time.
Key Concepts and Strategies
One of the core messages in Market Beaters is the importance of a systematic approach to trading. The traders Collins interviews emphasize that success in trading is more about following a well-thought-out set of rules than relying on hunches or emotions. This aligns perfectly with the philosophy that trading should be approached scientifically, with a focus on data-driven decisions.
Risk management is another crucial topic covered in the book. The traders share their methods for setting stop-loss orders, determining position sizes, and managing drawdowns, offering practical advice that can help any trader protect their capital. The book also underscores the importance of backtesting—highlighting how critical it is to test and refine trading systems to ensure they are robust across different market conditions.
Practical Applications
What sets Market Beaters apart from many other trading books is its actionable content. The advice Collins shares isn’t just theoretical; it’s designed to be applied directly to your trading practices. Whether it’s learning how to size your positions correctly or understanding the importance of backtesting with tools like Amibroker, the book provides practical steps that can help traders at any level improve their results.
Powerful Quotes from Market Beaters
“Successful trading is not about being right all the time, but about managing your losses and letting your winners run.” — Art Collins, Market Beaters
Personal Insights from Art Collins
Throughout the book, Collins shares personal stories and lessons from his own trading journey. These anecdotes add a layer of depth to the book, making it more relatable to traders who have faced similar challenges. His reflections on the psychological aspects of trading, such as dealing with losses and maintaining discipline, resonate deeply with anyone who has been in the market for a while.
Conclusion
Market Beaters by Art Collins is more than just a collection of interviews—it’s a roadmap for traders who want to succeed systematically. With its blend of expert insights, practical advice, and personal stories, this book stands out as a valuable resource for traders who are ready to take their trading to the next level. Whether you’re looking to refine your current strategies or learn from the successes of market veterans, Market Beaters has something to offer.
For those looking to expand their understanding of trading and improve their strategies, this book is a must-read. Buy it now on Amazon.
Other Great Trading Books
There are many great trading books which will help you accelerate your trading career. The following are books that we have reviewed and consider valuable additions to any systematic trader’s library.
More Trading Strategy Books


