Interview  |  MAY 1997

Searching for Clues with Jay Kaeppel by Thom Hartle

Searching for Clues with Jay Kaeppel by Thom Hartle Devising and implementing a strategy is the key to successful trading, according to Jay Kaeppel, director of market research for Essex Trading Co., Ltd. Stocks & Commodities Editor Thom Hartle spoke with Kaeppel via phone on February 18, 1997, to inquire about his favorite techniques for investing in the stock market, trading futures and options. Q: Let’s start with a little history. A: Okay. My first job, after I finished college, was with an oil company as an accountant. At the same time, I actively followed the markets on the side. Q: What year was that? A: That was 1981. In 1984, the company was bought and I was laid off, so I started my own company. For about five years, I published a newsletter —The Mutual Fund Switch Service. Then in 1989, I came here to Essex Trading as director of market research. We develop software for futures and options traders. In 1995, we started managing money as a commodities trading advisor (CTA). I’ve continued to do system development, research and writing. Just recently, we published the Pro-Vest Option Trading Method, which is a rule-based approach for trading options.

by Thom Hartle