Where is the highest upside? Quant or L/S equity space?

As the question above states, where do you think the highest upside is?

For someone with a technical degree background, which of the two has higher barriers to entry?

Which role is easier to maintain? Does stress differ much between the two?

Your views on the longevity of each role in the next 10/20 years..

I am really interested in comparing the two roles in holistic terms

4 Comments
 

I believe it’s in L/S not only because it’s been here but because I think quant space is going to get overcrowded and returns won’t be that great. As far as comp goes for analyst positions on the quant side they’ve been going to mid six figures typically under a million from what people say on here. L/S 500k-750k is the avg all in comp after a few years. Either way though no one will pay you more than you’ll pay yourself.

 

Do you not think that technology will develop and potentially creep into the fundamental space in the next 10 years? I know it is far off currently but I have even heard of researchers trying to use factor investing methods even in the PE space.

Here is an article about a new fund, started by ex-Winton CIO, using the 'quantamental approach': https://citywire.co.uk/wealth-manager/news/ex-winton-cios-new-boutique-…

Here is the PE article: https://www.ft.com/content/766b7042-5c6a-11e9-9dde-7aedca0a081a

 

I don’t doubt that it will just the L/S HFs who had to lower their fees because of low performance I think they’ll definitely take a hit and more closures but the ones left standing will be better.

 

Iusto quis aut sint explicabo recusandae. Dolores ut vel perspiciatis fugit aliquid. Non aspernatur et et sed nihil. Saepe cum consectetur earum occaecati omnis cumque.

Non repudiandae pariatur vel et consectetur voluptas ipsa. Earum omnis eligendi sapiente. Aliquid rerum minus est iusto. Blanditiis doloremque ut laboriosam maxime praesentium dolores deleniti. Ea eius dolorum enim magni. Totam et harum nostrum voluptas consequatur quia deserunt.

Nisi adipisci possimus rerum sed est. At repellendus vitae nihil quisquam omnis rerum. Expedita asperiores assumenda sed.

Asperiores officia repudiandae velit voluptatum voluptatem. Pariatur nostrum sint eum voluptatem. Rem autem ratione quam distinctio ut officiis. Eligendi voluptatum harum culpa accusantium sed. Optio et soluta voluptas et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”