Equity Trader Jobs

 

 

Equity trader jobs involve buying and selling securities of different companies on behalf of a client, with the help of proprietary or other automated short-term trading models. The ultimate aim of an equity trader is to identify trading strategies that will maximize the profits or income of clients.[br]

 

Equity Trader Jobs: Description

The responsibilities of an equity trader include:

• Improving existing trading strategies and systems, as well as creating new ones.
• Analyzing market conditions, which include social, economic and political factors that can affect the value of a stock.
• Using spreadsheets and other financial modeling tools to present information/reports in an understandable manner.
• Evaluating financial risks and making appropriate decisions.
• Incorporating sophisticated trading strategies, such as arbitrage, market making and benchmarking.
• Assisting in the development of training curriculum for new as well as existing traders.
• Reviewing transactions to ensure information accuracy and conformance to laws and other regulations.

 

In addition, equity traders must learn continually by equipping themselves with current trading and other market practices.[br]

 

Equity Trader Jobs: Requirements

Although there are no specific qualifications to work as an equity trader, most firms prefer candidates with a college degree, especially one that is business-oriented, such as statistics, mathematics or finance. Other requirements for equity trader jobs include:

 

• Strong communication skills, since it is a client-oriented job.
• Excellent analytical skills, for deciphering large volumes of data and making an informed trading decision.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Proficiency with Excel or other spreadsheet software.
• Appropriate license for practicing equity trading, such as Series 7 or 63 licenses.

 

Moreover, some employers give preference to candidates with relevant work experience in related fields, such as investment banking and consulting. However, work experience is not a fixed norm for equity trading jobs. Many firms hire candidates without any prior work experience and train them accordingly. The training period differs from employer to employer, and could be anywhere between a couple of weeks and a year.

 

Although equity trader jobs are highly competitive, they offer excellent career prospects. According to Michael Flood, a partner at the global research firm Boyden, good equity traders can earn as much as $2 million in a year.