[charcoalstick]

was wondering how bank traders trade...heard they don't use charts..?
anone know how do they trade..and how was their training like?

[atto]

It all depends on the bank and their strategy. Many banks clear for hedge funds, which trade however they want. In general, most use both fundemental and technical analysis. The exact mixture, I have no idea.

Many banks hire quants to use mathematical modeling (which is based on price). As for training, most of those traders have a masters or PhD already.

[DannyBly]

I worked briefly at the interbank desk at ABN AMRO and the traders did look at charts and take technicals such as fibonacci levels into account.

Maybe alleyb will chime with his thoughts since he was one as well.

[james_gsx]

I think it really depends on what style of trading the bank is doing. Different parts of the bank are going to have different strategies. Some don't require charts, others do.

Out of curiosity, why do you ask?

[Soultrader]

It really depends on the role of the trader. Banks will have a mixture of traders... sales traders, program traders, arbs, prop, etc... Been to various banks here in the Tokyo area and I would say 80% of all "traders" have no need for charts. Fixed income traders look at numbers most of the time, program traders just press buttons, sales traders just need price quotes... Although you will usually see 1 or 2 charts on their screens most of them have no clue how to read one. A JP Morgan trader once told he was not so chart proficient. He had the most ugliest trendlines in place.... made no sense at all.

I think prop traders are the ones that rely on charts the most... though I have seen some of the best traders trade without charts. A big time trader here told me that he doesnt need charts as he can visualize it all in his head. He simply relies on %.

So, in conclusion charts is just a tool one can use. there are so many other ways to trade the markets.

[mister ed]

Yeah different strokes for different folks.

Have a look at Busy day tomorrow thread, give you an idea of how some institutional-side traders trade (and because its a frikkin' great thread).

[charcoalstick]

Originally Posted by james_gsx »

I think it really depends on what style of trading the bank is doing. Different parts of the bank are going to have different strategies. Some don't require charts, others do.

Out of curiosity, why do you ask?

because i m thinking that they should be the best traders..so might be good to learn how the best trade...