In today’s complex financial markets, the trade analyst is a key player. Every day, stocks are born, bought, sold, traded, and analyzed by countless businesses and private individuals. Central to all of this activity is the principle administrator of the action, the trade analyst.
The trade analyst acts as a middle-man between stock holders and other participants in the market. Working privately, the analyst will act on behalf of the hiring party, buying, selling, and trading, much like the common stockbroker. On the other hand, the analyst employed by a major financial corporation will act mainly as a seller of that company’s stocks and other financial offerings.
A Day in the Life
A trade analyst begins their day timed to the opening of the market they work in. The various, global financial markets open at different times, typically during the early morning hours. From here, it’s time for business – the world of transaction starts.
Regional research is a top priority. Understanding financial trends in the different geographic and commercial regions provides the analyst with direction on better sales and transactions. This is essentially supply and demand investigation.
Making sales and profitable transactions is also at the core of the trade analyst’s daily operations. A virtual whirlwind of phone calls, emails, and other communications swirl as the analyst makes deal after deal. The high-speed bargaining that consumes much of the analyst’s day is quite demanding, but handsome, sales-based commissions drive aspirations for success in all of this field’s workers.
Finishing off the day, the trade analyst may attend a meeting with staff so as to discuss the day’s action, upcoming proposals, and product price points in relation to competitors. They may also spend a bit of time creating ways to harvest more market information through surveys, polls, and public questionnaires. The entire day has now been devoted to market analysis and the use of that information to make the best possible deals on the market.
Becoming a Trade Analyst
In order to become qualified for a position in trade analytics, one must first have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field. The ideal candidate however, will have a master’s in business administration, or MBA. Wherever the trade analyst physically operates, they also must have obtained that jurisdiction’s license to operate as a trade analyst. Aside from credentials, helpful skills to the trade include excellent communications, quick thinking, staying calm in tense moments, and being sales-driven.
Trade Analyst Compensation, Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the trade analyst is categorized as a financial services sales agent. The median pay for this position in 2015 was around $71,550 per year. This roughly translates to an hourly wage of $34.40, with the inclusion of company benefits packages, perks, and commissions. In addition, the future outlook for trade analysts is bright with overall growth of 10% expected within the next several years.
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This career in financial assets is one of fast-paced and very important business transactions. Success in this position means for great company profits and lots of job security. For those looking for additional information on the ins and outs of trade analyst work, the U.S. Department of Labor is an excellent resource with which to inquire.