Rates Exotics vs Equity Index Exotics trading

Hi Is there a huge difference between rates exotics trading and equity exotic trading at the Associate level in an IB?

For context, I have worked on an index exotics desk for a couple of years. I find them both equally exciting since both have a macro perspective. So I want my decision to be centered around the opportunities and exit options.

Like I understand that rates options is going to be exciting for the next two years, but what I'd like to know is:

  • How does the rates options desk do in bull markets (say 2012-2017)
  • How does equity options desk do during downturns?
  • Is there a difference between the size of opportunity in the two spaces in terms of volume and number of funds involved?
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