Where can Commodities Research lead me?

RailingDerailing

GS

RailingDerailingGot offered a commodities research role at GS. In the end, I would like to trade commodities, not do research. Does this put me in a good place to do this? How about moving to a physical house like trafigura, or a hedge fund -- would this be possible? Essentially, what are my exit opps?

I'd think that most hedge funds with commodity departments would have roles for you. Unfortunately , there's a big difference between producing research ideas and deciding how much capital to allocate to the idea , sizing up the trade , letting it run , and when to cut out of it - and responsibility for the attendant Profit or Loss. That is the essence of the difference between a PM and a Research Analyst. You could try to lateral into Goldman Sachs Asset Management? What's your background?

Thanks. Would rather move to the trading desk at gs or leave the firm altogether. GSAM seems ok but haven't heard of a lot of commds people there. Background, i studied mathematics and econ at university.

If you want to be in a position where you put on significant discretionary positions in commodities based on research , then S&T at an IB is probably not the best fit. I don't think they are in that business any more. Even if they are, by the time you're trusted to do it , these activities will have been pared back dramatically. Let's take this discussion off the board. PM me with what sort of role you're looking for.