Fundamental trader career vs. quant trader career...
Which one has more potential to make more money? By fundamental trader I mean trader who trades on fundamentals, often global macro. For a person who has both knowledge/skillset in Econ and math/stats, should he start the trading career as a fundamental trader or a quant trader? Is it better to start from the fundamental side and then gradually converge to quant side, or better to start from the quant side and then gradually converge to the fundamental side?
Which career is better if one wants to be a future star hedge fund manager, i.e. sitting on the fundamental trader seat but do both fundamental + quant work, vs. sitting on the quant trader seat but do both fundamental + quant work?
Moreover, let's say the job training is in fundamental trading, and then I acquire and apply quant trading skills by myself, vs. the job training is in quant trading, and then I acquire and apply fundamental skills by myself, which approach is easier and which approach is more effective?
The problem with this question is that it isn't taking into consideration which job role you'd fit into best. Too many people downplay the importance of culture and fit with certain types of desks. Compare your personality to those that are in a variety of trading positions and see where you land best.
Next thing is realize that there are both quant and fundamental hedge funds. Being a star anywhere means you can make money. Just because you know your stuff on the quant and/or fundamental side doesn't mean you're going to be some BSD one day.
My personal estimation is that the quant side of the business is harder for some traders to grasp respective to the fundamental side. But remember, typical quant guys are masters/PHD types and are going to have a serious leg up on some guy that familiarizes himself with the quant world.
In regards to your hypothetical training scenario, any firm that isn't willing to invest the time necessary to teach you the fundamentals of a market where they are essential, sounds iffy to me.
"if one wants to be a future star hedge fund manager"
Are you serious? Who doesnt want to make a shitload of money? Why dont you start with the basics like making your first million trading then worry about becoming a fund manager. If you are one of the ultra select few that ultimately has a choice between "fundamental trading" and "quant trading" then you should do what you think you will enjoy more.
"Oh the ladies ever tell you that you look like a fucking optical illusion" - Frank Slaughtery 25th Hour.
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