<p>I have no desire to be an investment banker but I do trade stocks. Any of you guys on here active in the market now? I would love to discuss various trading strategies, picks, etc.</p>
<p>As a novice (and relatively new investor) I’ve put almost all of my money into various ETF’s. Too busy at the moment to delve deep into market analysis and valuation of particular stocks in an effort to try and beat the market. For now I’m happy with healthy and average rates of return.</p>
<p>Ah, I want to get started, but I just haven’t yet. I was so close to setting up an account strictly for the purpose of buying GS at $85 back in early November. I’m kicking myself now, GS is at $163. I was just wondering what brokerages you guys use to trade?</p>
<p>I don’t trade stocks, I mostly focus on FX and Futures, also to avoid the PDT Rule. I also am working at a BB in a trading role.</p>
<p>I’ve been trading for a year now and it’s a lot of fun. I love doing all sorts of analyses and hate ETFs accordingly, though I don’t think they should be eliminated or anything. So what exactly would a “trading role” at a BB entail? And how’s the compensation compared to the whole investment banking or M&A bit? And the hours?</p>
<p>Traders at BB firms (Dealers) are market makers, though they often do take prop positions also. Compensation is similar at analyst level, if you are good the ceiling is much higher than M&A. The hours are generally 60-80 a week, though it depends on the product area you are working in.</p>