u/Endorian_

Hi everyone,

I know the integration of LLMs into Quantitative Research roles has been discussed here before, but I haven't seen a concrete conclusion regarding its actual impact on alpha. Most posts just vaguely mention "interesting consequences for alpha" without elaborating further.

I'd love to start a focused discussion specifically on alpha generation. Are LLMs causing alpha to be arbitraged away quicker? Have you noticed that something is actually different in the prices?

What are your thoughts?

Hi everyone,

I am relocating to the Netherlands for a new job and genuinely have no frame of reference for the cost of living or the housing crisis here, so I am hoping for some practical advice.

My office is very close to Amsterdam Centraal. I am looking for a private 1-bedroom apartment (no sharing) and am fully prepared to commute by train from outside the city. The goal is to have a private apartment big enough to live in 2 (my girlfriend would follow).

My base salary will look like this (the drop is due to a bonus fee which starts after 2 years; I would assume it to be zero for the sake of the questions):

• Years 1 & 2: ~€5,400 net/month
• After Year 2: ~€4,300 net/month

Importantly, I have no pension included in my contract, so I need to heavily fund a private pension entirely out of this net income (I guess?)

My questions:

1. Is this budget realistic to afford a private 1-bedroom place, cover regular living expenses, and still have enough left over to build a proper pension?
2. How much should I invest into private pension?
3. How much can I save by living a comfortable life?

Thank you for the help!

PS: post written with the help of Gemini (to improve quality).

Hey everyone, looking for some advice on my first industry offer.

My Background:

• 29 years old, strong background in Machine Learning.
• Currently working as an ML Scientist in algorithmic pricing for an eTravel company.
• Solid math/ML nerd: I have publications, personal trading experience, and actually won the Optiver Traderhack competition.
• Currently making 51k CHF (~55k-56k EUR) but working a strict 36 hours/week. Never a minute more. Very comfortable work-life balance.

The Offer:

• Firm: Small prop trading firm based in the EU (doing market making and not only).
• Role: I will get my own book and mostly decide what to do.
• Base: 52,000 EUR
• Bonus Formula: 0.25 * (NTI - 262,000) - 1,000 (where NTI is Net Trading Income, post exchange fees, etc.).
• Non compete: 9 months paid 50% of base per month.
• Breakeven for Bonus: NTI = 266,000 EUR.
• Expectations: I was told to expect a margin of around 50k - 100k EUR in my first year.

I'm finding it really hard to view this as a "good" offer. It seems pretty much impossible to get a bonus in the first years am I write or i am reading something off? Sorry but this is my first offer from the industry and I feel i need help to understand.

I am still in the negotiation/contracting phase.

My Questions for the sub:

1. Is a 52k EUR base normal for a small EU prop shop?
2. Is a 262k hurdle rate (desk costs + base cover) standard for a seat at a smaller firm?
3. What specific questions should I be asking them right now before I sign?

Appreciate any harsh truths or guidance. Thanks!

PS: post written with the help of Gemini (just to improve the quality)

Hi. I got to find Cross Options Group, which is a boutique firm which seems to be active since late 70ies. That s pretty crazy (older than optiver imc).

Do you know anything about this firm? Is it good/bad?

Hi,

basically the title. I provide my cv here:

1st Page

2nd page

I am really attracted by the MM industry but unfortunately I was not able to join it due to preparation lack in the past. Reached last stage both with Optiver and FLOW Traders a couple of years ago.

My profile is very research oriented, despite working in the industry.

Question: I am 29 with no real prior experience on MM, despite knowing very well how the industry works (at least from the outside). Do you think I can join the industry? Should I apply for graduate position or not?

Thanks a lot.