When stock markets hit fresh record highs, investors broadly separate themselves into two groups. Bulls: These daring investors see rising markets as a sign of even more gains to come. Time to buy.  And bears: Others see record-high prices as inviting a correction. Time to sell.

Wall Street has always thrived on secrets. But every so often, a breakthrough comes along that threatens to level the playing field. Next week, our colleagues at TradeSmith will unveil one of those breakthroughs — a tool built on the unfinished work of hedge fund legend Ed Thorp, the man who once rattled Vegas and then outperformed Wall Street for decades.