Offers from MS, GS, Citi and JPM for SA S&T, may renege.

Received offers and have signed one, but I’m still weighing my options. I'd appreciate any insights on the desk strengths at each bank, as well as their culture, rotation structure, and return rates. I’m especially interested in the macro side of things. Leaning away from JPM since it’s a single desk rotation, feels like if you don’t click with that team it’s a bit limiting. GS’s five rotations are appealing, though one week each might make it harder to make an impression. Any thoughts would be really helpful.

London

18 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on the desk strengths, culture, rotation structure, and return rates for MS, GS, Citi, and JPM, especially focusing on the macro side of things:

Desk Strengths:

  • JPM: Strong in credit, rates, and FX; not as strong in equities.
  • GS: Strong in equities, rates, and commodities; not as strong in FX and credit.

Culture:

  • JPM: Culture varies widely across groups. There's a distinct scrappiness at all levels, with seniors focused on winning market share and expecting juniors to contribute beyond just churning pages. This can lead to long weeks.
  • GS: Known for a fast-paced, no-nonsense environment. Teams must be available at all times, and it's not uncommon to work on weekends. Accountability is high, and if you make a mistake, you'll be in the spotlight until you prove yourself again. The desk often feels like an extended family, with everyone aware of each other's work.

Rotation Structure:

  • JPM: Single desk rotation, which can be limiting if you don't click with the team.
  • GS: Five rotations, each lasting one week. While this offers exposure to multiple desks, it might make it harder to make a lasting impression.

Return Rates:

  • JPM: Generally high return rates, but this can vary depending on the specific desk and your performance.
  • GS: Also known for high return rates, but again, this depends on the desk and your ability to stand out during the rotations.

Additional Considerations:

  • MS and Citi: While specific details on desk strengths and culture for these banks aren't provided in the context, it's important to consider the overall reputation and your personal fit with the teams you interact with during the interview process.

Given your interest in the macro side and the concerns about JPM's single desk rotation, GS's multiple rotations might offer a broader exposure, though it comes with the challenge of making a quick impression. Balancing these factors with your personal preferences and career goals will be crucial in making your decision.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/what-are-the-top-volatility-trading-desks-at-jpm-gs-and-what-differentiates-them?customgpt=1, HF exits from macro vol desks?, A Response to "Which desk is best?" Type Questions... Please Read Before Posting, can someone give me insight on the culture at a physical trading house (vitol, trafigura, mercuria), How to break into a role on a structured desk?

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

Citi has had poor return rates this year and prior. S&T especially. We just don't take many people since the restructuring began... I think things will change tho

 

This question is pretty inconsequential. The truth is, at the junior level, your experience will be broadly the same. The "strengths" of the bank won't really matter. You're not a senior who can leverage a massive balance sheet along with your relations to win a deal (more IB). 

That said, on the S&T side it might be a bit different bcos different interests whatever. Citi and JPM are great at debt so probably bonds rates that stuff. GS equities. idk about MS. would probably say good at equities too

 
Most Helpful

plenty of threads on here re, but my understanding at very high level (obviously all good S&T shops...)

MS - equities, this is really their main strength

GS - equities & commodities, rates solid too

Citi - rates & FX

JPM - rates especially (sure strong desks but not 100% what those are)

 

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