3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on fundamental commodities research jobs:

  1. Agricultural Commodities Trading:

    • Data Sets Monitored:
      • US and worldwide weather for rainfall and temperature
      • Drought monitors
      • WASDE reports
      • Import and export numbers
    • Best Information Sources: Procurement and agronomy people who do their own touring and crop scouting.
    • Focus: More concerned about micro-level data for suppliers and customers rather than just macro data.
  2. Physical Commodities Trading:

    • Roles to Understand:
      • Scheduling
      • Middle office
      • Commercial operations
      • Market analysis/research
    • Advice: Get into the industry and work hard; opportunities will find you.
  3. Commodities Trading Experience:

    • Background:
      • Experience in energy commodity markets, S&T, alternative investments, strategic business development, corporate strategy leadership, and risk management.
      • Worked as a Commodities Analyst in Power & Natural Gas, and on a physical prop desk for NGLs, Crude & Gasoline.
  4. Sectors for Meaningful Primary Research:

    • Industrials: Cyclical companies where understanding the cycle can create buying/selling opportunities.
    • Energy: Despite extensive primary research, external factors can significantly impact the thesis.

For those interested in investing in oil/metals, it is essential to understand the activities of various groups you will interact with and focus on both macro and micro-level data. While many roles may seem quantitative, there are significant opportunities in fundamental analysis, especially in sectors like industrials and energy.

Sources: Long term, concentrated, deep fundamental investing, Q&A: I'm an Agricultural Commodities Trader, Physical Trading: Best commodities to be in?, Q&A - Commodities Trading, Alternative Investments, Alt Data, Physical Commodities Trading 2022 Graduate Program Megathread

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Yeah, I’m in the same boat. From what I’ve seen, places like Millennium and Balyasny hire both quant and fundamental analysts, but you’re right—macro research roles are pretty rare. I’ve been focusing on building up my programming/stats skills, but this is also more to help when it comes to proper research...

 

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