Linear Rates / US Rate Swaps

New to the industry and trying to learn more about the fixed income side of trading. Heard a lot of great things about non linear rates / rates vol, curious if anyone have any color on linear rates and rates swaps trading, hours, the work, exit pops etc, cheers

12 Comments
 

Linear rates trading typically involves non-option-related products such as cash treasuries, TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities), interest rate swaps, and futures. These products are considered "linear" because their pricing and risk profiles are straightforward compared to the more complex, non-linear instruments like options or structured products.

Key Insights on Linear Rates and US Rate Swaps Trading:

  1. Products Traded:

    • Cash Treasuries and TIPS.
    • Interest Rate Swaps (IRS).
    • Futures on interest rates.
    • Corporate bonds and high-yield bonds are usually handled by separate desks.
  2. Nature of Work:

    • Linear rates trading is heavily macro-driven, as rates are the foundation of most financial securities.
    • Traders often hedge positions using liquid instruments like spot FX or futures.
    • The work involves monitoring market movements, central bank policies, and macroeconomic indicators to make informed trading decisions.
  3. Hours:

    • Hours can be demanding, especially around major economic data releases or central bank announcements.
    • The job requires staying updated on global macroeconomic trends, which can extend beyond typical market hours.
  4. Exit Opportunities:

    • Linear rates trading provides a strong foundation in macroeconomics and risk management, making it a great stepping stone for roles in:
      • Hedge funds (macro or fixed income-focused).
      • Asset management.
      • Treasury roles in corporates or financial institutions.
      • Other trading desks, such as non-linear rates or credit.
  5. Learning Resources:

    • Books like Interest Rate Swap Derivatives and Other by Howard Corb are highly recommended for understanding swaps.
    • Hull's Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives is another must-read, though it covers a broader range of topics.

Linear rates trading is a critical part of fixed income markets, offering a mix of technical and macroeconomic challenges. It’s a great area to build a solid foundation in trading and market dynamics.

Sources: Insights on Fixed Income Trading, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/qa-1st-year-bb-london-rates-trader-taking-your-questions?customgpt=1, Hedging Choices (Experienced Traders), Macro: Rates and FX, Q&A: BB Flow rates trader

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

You’re only real exit is going to be macro funds/pods, and really only going to be at the Director to PM level where that becomes attractive. Junior level at those places offers worse risk reward profile than staying at sellside imo. Pays going to be like 70% of IB equivalent level. Obviously more room for upside but again not going to be the case until senior VP/Director. Also  not going to be risk on style of trading unless at GS maybe (ironic cuz GS also took huge losses in rates during the start of the Iran conflict). Also at risk of automation. Recommend vol products/credit.

 

Very helpful thank you. What does rates vol / credit provide that makes them more attractive?

 

Do you have any color in to what comp looks like if you move to the buyside at a junior level? Thought that the buyside paid better than BBs for macro even at the junior level.

 

Consequuntur molestiae quo natus voluptates et. Asperiores occaecati ipsam molestiae fugit. Nihil ab quasi et non iure. Voluptatibus et est quibusdam quidem.

Consequatur enim voluptates beatae. Aspernatur ut ullam accusantium totam eius sit. Quia dolorem quam aperiam et doloribus quis rerum. Tempore distinctio accusamus sint accusantium deserunt qui eum. Voluptatum excepturi et eligendi sit. Ullam consequuntur eum ipsa praesentium dolorem. Architecto id error voluptas rerum ut repellat.

Consequatur aperiam reiciendis vel ab quibusdam maiores. Sit molestiae quia deserunt corrupti laboriosam. Repudiandae beatae sunt dolores voluptas libero facilis. Est rerum adipisci aspernatur numquam iste explicabo quis.

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...”