Mark Brown has built a distinguished career in systematic trading, renowned for his innovative "Oddball" trading systems and his commitment to transparency in an often guarded industry. Over decades, Brown has consistently contributed to trading strategy development and knowledge-sharing within the trading community, balancing technical expertise with a dedication to collaboration and professional integrity.
The first Oddball system, introduced in Active Trader Magazine, was designed to challenge traditional trading paradigms. By using market breadth data - specifically, the momentum of advancing stocks - as a basis for trading signals on the S&P, Brown introduced an approach that leveraged secondary data sources in new, impactful ways. Its simplicity, effectiveness, and data-driven approach quickly garnered interest among trading professionals, solidifying Brown's reputation for innovation in mechanical trading systems.
Following the success of the original Oddball system, Brown launched a second iteration to the trading community through the Omega List, a reputable forum for industry experts. This system caught the attention of Wealth Lab, a leader in trading software, which recognized its effectiveness and featured it in its publications. This endorsement highlighted Brown's systematic approach and provided independent validation of his methodology, further establishing him as a respected figure in trading system design.
Brown's entry into institutional trading began through a professional connection with Stan Finney, a well-known figure in finance and trading. Finney, who initially learned of Brown's achievements through a local trading association, reached out to collaborate based on Brown's performance as a day trader. This relationship opened doors to institutional trading opportunities and led to a rewarding partnership at Regal Asset Management, where Brown served as an independent contractor. Under Finney's mentorship, Brown refined his skills in proprietary trading and market analysis, managing daily analysis and proprietary accounts for Rainbow Trading Systems, a firm founded by Finney.
Early in his career, Brown's contributions at Computer Investment Research (C.I.R.) significantly impacted the success of Hargrave Financial Group (HFG), earning M.A.R. recognition as the top emerging Commodity Trading Advisor (C.T.A.). This recognition underscored the effectiveness of Brown's approach, which centered on focusing efforts within a single market - in this case, the U.S. 30-Year Treasury futures. Today, Brown applies this "master a single market" strategy to E-mini S&P 500 (ES) futures, achieving diversification through varied systems within a single market - a distinctive approach in the trading industry.
In keeping with his commitment to advancing the field, Brown shared his second Oddball system openly with the trading community via Wealth Lab, allowing for rigorous peer review and collaborative improvement. This transparency is a hallmark of Brown's professional ethos, setting him apart as a leader who prioritizes community growth alongside personal achievement. His approach underscores his dedication to fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared freely, enabling traders at all levels to enhance their skills.
Beyond the Oddball systems, Brown's contributions to the ambitious X-Files Project exemplify his dedication to advancing trading technology. This multi-year effort, funded by clients such as Hargrave Financial Group, aimed to develop a fully automated, consistently profitable trading model. Involving rigorous research and collaboration with numerous experts, the project achieved success when the team pivoted to allow the computer to autonomously execute its most profitable strategies. This shift marked a significant advancement, underscoring the project's innovative approach and Brown's adaptability in leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Today, Mark Brown is recognized for his foundational work in systematic trading, his partnerships with industry leaders like Stan Finney, and his active involvement in forums such as the Omega List. His collaborations with organizations like Cray Research, The MathWorks, Ned Davis Research, and TradeVec reflect his commitment to applying the latest technology to trading.
With his development of the Oddball systems, contributions to the X-Files Project, and focus on the "master a single market" philosophy, Brown's influence on automated trading is enduring. His dedication to transparency and community knowledge-sharing reflects his vision for a trading industry that grows and succeeds collectively.