Economic Research to HF

Anything is possible...

What kind of economic research?

Currently in an analyst role with this proprietary research firm that produces industry reports, commodity forecasts, as well as country risk analysis reports. The most similar competitor would be the Economist Intelligence Unit, Data Monitor, ISI, Business Monitor.

I am an analyst in their commodities team, doing macro research, industry reports, commodity forecasts, investment views. no equity or company analysis involved.

I was thinking (since I am neither sell nor buy side I think) trade on my own account driven by the insights I get from writing the reports, hopefully get into a BB thru an mba, then maybe transition into buyside.

you think its feasible?

It is definitely feasible. If you're trading your p/a you need to be strict on your p/l records. Some people would actually back-test it. plus you don't necessarily need an mba to go anywhere. i think what's more important is what and who you know and how you can get yourself/your skills spotted.

how old are you? how many years of work experience (full-time) do you have?

i'd say that don't rush to buy-side. i did this and that's ironically how i put myself in current dilemma. i'd suggest you keep working hard on what you do, meet more people, especially the senior guys in the area that interests you, and the rest is play by ears.

you can somewhat plan for your career according to your likes/skills but as of the connections (how you move from one job or area to another) you can't really plan. just do your best for now, network, and relax.

im 22, have 1.5 years experience in PWM but that was another time in another life in another country (not singaporean)

so no rush? ok will listen to that. whats your dilemma and what do you do in your hedge fund?

Plan to slowly be considered a pseudo authority in my field (blog, talks, cheapo seminars etc) over the years to build my brand. then network regularly with people who like talking about markets in the cfa seminars, conferences, clubs, etc etc. i dont want to move now, maybe in 3 to 5 years time so just needed some advice in planning.

Plenty of global macro analysts come from research firms. Advanced degrees in econ are popular as well. BondArb has some insightful posts about analyst track vs. PM track and the importance of understanding not just how to do macro analysis but also how to use various financial products to put on trades reflecting your views.

Lol Kenny, don't scare him away, we need more people with strong experience and an inquisitive attitude

Just as long as you stick around and impart some of your wisdom to those of us interested in learning :-p

Nah I'm mostly kidding, there are a lot of people with great knowledge to share on this site. That said, this site and finance in general are full of people who insist on swimming against the current of their own skills and interests because they have some idea that was placed in their head about what box they need to check next in order to be a success.