How To Become A Trader At Amplify Trading

Transcription

1 TRADING & FINANCIAL MARKET ANALYSIS 2015 A TWO MONTH PLACEMENT WITH AMPLIFY TRADING

2 A TRADING EXPERIENCE AT THE HEART OF GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS Placed at the forefront of current financial market volatility, London based trading firm Amplify Trading delivers an invaluable opportunity for new traders to develop a wellrespected practical skill-set in today s financial industry and an in-depth understanding of today s financial markets. Building on fifteen years of trading experience Amplify Trading has developed an industry leading training operation adjacent to its trading arm. The quality of Amplify s training is validated by the fact that we are now integral to the graduate training programmes at leading investment banks such as HSBC, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan where Amplify is brought in to help prepare their new employees for roles within capital markets. Amplify Trading has worked hard to build a reputation of excellence and professionalism within the industry, and we continuously strive to exceed the expectations of all our clients. The following pages detail a two month professional trading programme exclusively available to current students or individuals who have graduated within the last year. Our aim in this programme is to help candidates bridge the gap between an academic economic understanding of financial markets, and the practical implementation within them. This programme is designed specifically to open opportunities in a wide variety of roles within fund management, trading and investment banking upon completion. Piers Curran, Head of Trading, monitoring Amplify traders positions

3 INTENSIVE TRAINING AND STRUCTURED OBJECTIVES As you progress through two months of intensive training you will meet the following objectives in order to develop a broad range of skills within financial markets. Apply a macroeconomic understanding to trade across international financial markets in response to breaking financial news and analysis Understand the fundamental driving factors behind equity, commodity, currency and fixed income valuations Operate as a market maker and sales trader as you experience both the buy side and the sell side of the industry using our flow trading systems utilised by all our investment bank clients Learn through practical application the key concepts of portfolio management as you manage risk across a trading portfolio on institutional trading software Gain first-hand experience in the importance of behavioural finance and trading psychology within an environment of uncertainty and risk Learn to understand and analyse financial markets by applying advanced technical analysis techniques across asset classes Obtain DextraD Intelligent Assessment System and Bloomberg BAT qualifications Understand the function of quote driven markets and open out-cry price discovery with the London Metal Exchange. Gain experience using industry leading software to back-test trading strategies, use linear regression models and work with Amplify s proprietary trading algorithms See how in reality standard economic theory may not apply within an expected timeframe and the resulting challenge to risk management practises Apply mentoring support and advice from experienced traders at Amplify as they continuously monitor your performance and progression Amplify will work with all trainees to deliver critical careers advice and support to each candidate to ensure they best leverage this industry renowned experience to its maximum potential. We will help with the recruitment process and will be available for reference to further assist with your career development within the financial services and trading sectors. 3

4 Above left, Amplify s trader training room at St Swithin s Lane. Above right, the main trading floor at Amplify Trading LOCATION All internship placements will start with initial theory sessions delivered each day in our training room at IFS School of Finance led by our Head of Trading, Piers Curran. Candidates will then continue through the programme based on their own trading desk on our trading floor, or through our state-of-the art virtual platform with access to a hot desk at a lower fee. The experience through the virtual connection should not be under-estimated as the technology allows all training, mentoring, and support to be equally delivered. STRUCTURE AND PROGRESSION As you go through our structured programme you will pass through four steps of development: 1.) CLASSES IN THEORY Right from the start our Head of Trading Piers Curran, will take you through key aspects of macro economic theory, technical analysis and behavioural finance before you start trading in week two. 2.) BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS We introduce a new asset class each week to your portfolio. Interactive theory sessions are followed immediately by putting the theory into practice as candidates are assessed and reviewed by their mentor throughout each day. 3.) PROGRESSIVE TRADING Equipped with the tools and understanding of intraday trading strategies, you will use increased market exposure to develop your own trading style according to your strategic analysis. You will learn in-depth how today's financial markets function and how different roles operate within them. 4.) CAREER DEVELOPMENT Throughout your training you will be working to enhance your competitive advantage in the financial sector. You will add immediate value to any role within the industry, from a research role within asset management firm to a sales trading position within an investment bank. Amplify Trading works with many of the largest global financial institutions who all place a high value on the experience.

5 SYSTEMS, RISK MANAGEMENT, AND SUPPORT Above left, institutional trading platform. Above right, Amplify Trading s news service and virtual trading room TRADING PLATFORM All of our traders are set up with the institutional trading software that is used throughout all top level trading floors around the globe. Traders view in real time the assets in their trading portfolio, with prices, orders and fills being updated by the microsecond. The direct market access trading platform (above) with level two visibility allows over 150 technical analysis functions to be applied. Traders will be introduced to quantitative trading methods to back-test their strategies and will be shown how to incorporate our series of proprietary trading algorithms and analysis software to better assess price opportunity. NEWS AND ANALYSIS When training with Amplify, you learn how to assess and understand the changing fundamental news flow. In order to take full advantage of that knowledge it is important to get that news fast. All our traders receive access to live, up to the second market news and analysis, as soon as it breaks. Each day you will receive our strategy reports from our team of analysts to help provide further insight into the products you trade. MARKET BRIEFINGS AND DATA REVIEWS At the start of the EU and US trading sessions you will be invited by our Head of Trading, Piers Curran, to join a market briefing discussion to prepare for economic announcements throughout the day. You will be immersed in continuous market debate with our experienced traders assessing economic data as it gets released, providing an invaluable practical market experience.

6 TESTIMONIALS OF WORK Institutional Feedback Truly a highlight of training. The facilitators were incredibly prepared and the interface advanced. This was simply the best and most important part of training. Kellie Burke, Bank of America Merrill Lynch VP, Global Markets Learning I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Amplify Trading over the past three years Jasmine Quartey-Owoo HSBC Bank Plc, Graduate Recruitment and Development The programme at Amplify helped pull together their courses in economics, markets, institutions and individual investment/fundamental analysis. Prof Larry Louie, Associate Dean, San Francisco Campus, Hult International Business

7 TESTIMONIALS OF WORK INDIVIDUAL FEEDBACK Jiajun Tan Student at Imperial College: Now at Citigroup ( sent to Amplify) It s Jiajun here hope you are well! At this moment in time I have received 4 internship offers for Sales and Trading from 4 major banks, and I would like to thank you and the team for giving me the best possible start into the financial world. To be perfectly honest with you, I really could not have done it without Amplify. Of the 4 banks I have decided to pick Citi ahead of HSBC, RBS and Deutsche Bank (Hong Kong), due to its size scope and its London location, do you think I ve made the right decision? James Parkin Graduated in law: Now at Deutsche Bank ( sent to Amplify) It has been a huge pleasure working with you and learning from you. I now have a far greater understanding of the fundamental data which moves the market, as well as the key technical levels that traders use to determine their buy and sell decisions. I am also delighted to say that I have accepted a position at Deutsche Bank as Vice President, Legal Counsel supporting Global Prime Finance and Global Markets Equities. My knowledge of trading the futures markets, combined with my legal training puts me in an excellent position to succeed in this role. Yana Pankratova CASS Business School PhD: Now at INSEAD Singapore and continuing to trade I joined Amplify to fulfil my long term dream to become a trader and study markets. Throughout the intense program I learned how to understand what fundamental factors drive price activity, gain good competency in technical analysis and I applied the risk management techniques taught. Following the internship program, I started trading on the live markets, focussing on fixed income products the German Bund and US Treasury Bonds. I continue to trade with Amplify from my current home in Singapore which has been an essential experience in my progression towards joining a Hedge Fund on my graduation from my MBA at INSEAD.

8 TIMETABLE AND STRUCTURE Each week follows a clear structure of objectives to give you the most comprehensive experience on the front desk of financial markets. For the first week, all trainees will be invited to our training room at IFS School of Finance to be taught key theory by Piers Curran, before they start applying their own trading strategies in week two. WEEK 1 [STAGE 1]: IN-HOUSE INDUCTION WEEK OBJECTIVE: To achieve a deep understanding of the markets you will be entering the strategies that professional traders employ in today s economic climate. We will look into the markets as a whole, review the current financial crises, how to understand charts, and take a deep look into trading psychology and risk parameters. This week will also include an overview of the trading strategies you will be practising during month one. 12:00-14:00 Introduction to Amplify Trading, get to know the traders, introduction to trading systems and software 14:30-15:30 Analysis of contemporary macroeconomic drivers from the credit crunch to the Eurozone crisis and the global recovery 15:45-17:00 Introduction to technical and fundamental analysis and behavioural finance 12:00-14:00 The structure of global markets and how they function 14:30-15:30 Technical Analysis: support/resistance levels & trends 15:45-17:00 How to optimise entry & exit strategies 12:00-14:00 Technical Analysis: Pivot Levels; Fibonacci Retracement; Moving Averages; RSI 14:30-15:30 Behavioural finance; prospect theory, herd mentality, confirmation bias and discounting the efficient market hypothesis 15:45-17:00 Trading psychology session; Kolb s learning cycle; individual psychometric profiling tests 12:00-14:00 Monetary policy and the role of the central bank; Analysing the European Central Bank Press Conference 14:30-15:30 Economic Data Analysis; Introduction to risk management 15:45-17:00 Building trading strategies; trading ranging and momentum markets 12:00-14:00 Commodity focus, the role of gold, outlook for world oil review; Trading Economic Data Releases 14:30-16:00 Practical session on the trading systems

9 MULTI-ASSET CLASS TRADING: WEEKS 2-4 From week two, new traders operate their trading terminal throughout the European and US market sessions. Traders add a new asset class to their portfolio each week and apply theory taught on live market prices. Sessions are carried out on your own trading desk either on our trading floor or remotely using our advanced conferencing software. WEEK 2: EQUITIES & FX 08:30-16:30 WEEK 3 : FIXED INCOME 08:30-16:30 OBJECTIVE: To familiarise yourself with the trading platform, how to implement Risk limits, and to practise entering trades using Support and Resistance levels. There will also be a daily quiz to assess your knowledge in the topics covered. In addition to the daily quiz, there will be an exam covering the material from week one; this will take place on the Monday of week two. Set up trading systems ; Lecture: Trading FX Markets; Exam for week one theory Technical analysis: Support/Resistance/Trends; 1 1 s with mentor; Trading Discipline Technical analysis: Candlestick Charting & Study of Candlestick Psychology Lecture - The Practical Trader: Trading rules and discipline; Trading day routine; Entry and Exit Strategies Lecture: Trading your Psychological Profile; How the Economic Machine Works OBJECTIVE: To further develop trading strategies and further understanding of more complex markets. You will look at technical analysis tools which professional traders use on a daily basis. You will also learn how to effectively and precisely plot a strategy on a chart using a set of parameters. WEEK 4 : COMMODITIES 08:30-16:30 Trading reviews; Group risk limit review; Lecture: Bond markets advanced; Discussion: Market Correlations Tech analysis: Charting techniques session; Trading review; Trading with Order Flow: Live Session Smart Orders: OCOs and Trailing Stops; Live Trading Session & Trainee Trader Reviews Refresher Discussion: Implementing your Trading Strategy & Trade Management ; Know Your Product Live Trading Session & Trainee Trader Reviews; Weekend Task: Strategy Report OBJECTIVE: To develop macro-understanding by completing a strategy report task. This week will build upon all prior learning in weeks 1 to 3 and will culminate in an end of month exam. There is also scope for a visit day to Bloomberg to take the Bloomberg Assessment Test free of charge (subject to demand and availability). Morning Risk Limit Briefing; Trading review with mentor; Lecture: Trading Crude Oil Small group sessions with mentor; Q&A Revision Session End of Month Exam; Crude Oil D.O.E Release Trading Session End of month one trading game between traders Induction to month two; Final small group session to mark progress Below: Amplify Trading, based in the heart of The City

10 PROFESSIONAL TRADING: WEEKS 5-8 As traders are introduced to their new mentors they will have their market exposure increased and will be expected to trade across all asset classes as an institutional trader. This month is career focussed as key concepts in options and portfolio management are covered and traders are asked to submit research and analysis reports on the products they are trading. Traders also take positions within the sell side of the industry in our investment banking simulations in order to fully understand the roles and operations throughout the industry as a whole. WEEK 5 08:00-16:30 OBJECTIVE: Review new limits with new mentor and acclimatise to professional trading room on the trading floor. Traders are expected to develop a consistent performance applying theory learned in month one. Meet new trading mentor; trading performance and limit review Strategy Reports: Briefing Portfolio Management Lecture 1 WEEK 6 08:00-16:30 Advanced futures lecture Trading Focus: US Non-Farm Payrolls Day OBJECTIVE: To learn from experience how investment banks operate and how to best reflect the experience to leverage employment opportunities. To learn more about trading career opportunities available post Amplify. Quiz 1 & weekly reviews with mentor Strategy Reports: Review Portfolio Management Lecture 2 WEEK 7 08:00-16:30 WEEK 8 08:00-16:30 Trading Focus: ECB Monetary Policy Day Career Development session with William de Lucy OBJECTIVE: Traders continue to build on professional experience developing consistency in their approach. To learn about other derivatives in addition to futures and how the financial industry operates. Quiz 2 & weekly reviews with mentor Research Analysis Task Emerging Markets Lecture Derivatives Lecture Looking at the Buy Side & Sell Side OBJECTIVE: Traders will see first hand how quote driven markets work at the LME, the world's largest metal exchange (subject to availability and demand). End of programme trading reviews with your mentor. Quiz 3 & weekly reviews with mentor Research Analysis Task Review Visit to the London Metals Exchange (subject to availability and demand) Fixed Income: Yield Curve; End of second month trading reviews End of second month trading competition

11 A TWO MONTH PLACEMENT WITH AMPLIFY TRADING Our two month trading placement programme provides an unprecedented experience for students or recent graduates to trade with our experienced team on the front desk of financial markets. New traders develop relevant skills recognised throughout the industry, receiving a clear competitive advantage within the field of finance. The training fees for the programme for 2015 are per month for two months including all VAT and system costs. This is based on a hybrid format with in-house lectures during week 1 and thereafter operating on-line through our virtual room to interact live with our trading floor throughout each day as you go through the structured training process which includes trading the full European session as well as covering new theory each day. Trainees can meet this cost by committing to one month at a time should they wish. For traders looking to secure their own physical trading desk in-house on our trading floor for the programme, this may be possible but will be subject to availability. The In-house option is 1400 per month. We will have start dates at the beginning of each month but please bear in mind that spaces during the summer months are likely to already be oversubscribed. Please contact us to reserve a place, alternatively please use this registration link. Yours sincerely, William de Lucy See what others say about us on Below: Traders operate the sell side of the market (Investment bank trading with Dynamic Simulations, month 2)