How to prepare on markets

I have an interview coming up for the Investment Banking division in a Boutique bank in London. They told me that would be a discussion on markets. However, I am not sure what aspect of markets I should be prepared to discuss. Should I be focusing on becoming knowledgeable on a particular market or a particular region? What is the best way for me to prepare for this interview?

 
Best Response

Reading the financial times daily will help you in getting up to speed on the markets. Initially it will be a bit of a challenge if you haven't done so previously, but one thing you'll realize after a few weeks is that you're aware of the progressive dynamics. From here, you will go from observing and reading the news to forming your own opinions regarding where the market(s) will trend.

I can't imagine the discussion will trend above a cursory discussion surrounding your thoughts on the markets, specific indices values, and perhaps some high level question regarding your opinion on [ ] industry if you this is an interview for a coverage group or thereabouts.

There's a closer meaning to my user name. Try reading it quickly. Perhaps you will then understand ;P
 

Yes, I think that would be a good approach. Keeping it high level the farther back you are is probably most prudent, as you'll find that the news becomes cumulative over time as the stories from 1 month ago just get expounded upon as you get closer to present day.

I'm trying to remember good deal/M&A transaction sites. I've used WSJ's moneybeat and dealbook personally, but FT also has an M&A section, which could be useful if they ask you about recent deals and your opinions of the same.

There's a closer meaning to my user name. Try reading it quickly. Perhaps you will then understand ;P
 

If you're working for a company, they may have access for you to sites like "The Deal" or MergerMarket or "SNL" - these are 3 really good sites where you can get daily e-mails on just the M&A topics you want in specific sectors. It can also be set for broader "market-related" information.

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alpha_q:
I'm trying to remember good deal/M&A transaction sites. I've used WSJ's moneybeat and dealbook personally, but FT also has an M&A section, which could be useful if they ask you about recent deals and your opinions of the same.
I have prepared to discuss a deal in detail that the bank advised on in April 2017. Do I need to know general M&A trends and the numbers for recent deals?
TalentandHardWork:
Try to start off understanding key economic concepts, like interest rates/currency and monetary/fiscal policy. Doing this will really help you make sense of the news you read.
I study economics so understanding these concepts is not a big issue for me. Just have not kept very up to date with the news! I will look at the effect of the Budget in a bit more detail. Thanks :)
 

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