u/Shapen361

5 YOE in AM, CFA Charterholder. I had been hoping to learn to code so I could streamline or automate some of my work. At the same time, I blew an opportunity last week because I wasn't capable of building a DCF model in a 3 hour period. My job doesn't require operating DCF models, so while I'm well-versed in financial statements I'm a beginner in modeling.

I have considered learning to code and getting the FMVA, but if I want to apply for jobs too I only really have time to do one. What should I focus on: learning to model or learning to code?

I know that the debate between self-study and full-immersion is a common question. But the responses I'm seeing are 2+ years old. In 2026, I don't see where the CFI resources command a $300 premium versus me asking AI for help.

Context: CFA Charterholder who hasn't modeled in 5 years, need to re-learn so I can get a new job.

I'm a buy-side analyst at a small firm looking at a sell-side job opening at a BB for notably higher pay. I know that buy-side is considered more prestigious with higher income potential, but I figure I could network at this place and try to switch back at some point if that's what I wanted.

Would this be considered a backwards looking move?

CFA Charterholder, for reference. The most advanced math classes I took in college were pre-calc and an intro to statistics class where I forgot everything.

The Quant sections of the CFA have opened my eyes to a world of possibilities, such as linear regression, NLP, and big data. I would like to build my knowledge of statistics and quantitative methods to be better at prediction of economics, markets, investment performance, etc.

What are some resources for a math beginner to learn from where the CFA leaves off?

My 5 year anniversary is next month. I'm effectively operating as a senior in my position but with a junior title, a development that's happened the last few months. Performance reviews are in December and last year they said I'd get a promotion this year.

One thing is I was hoping to get engaged soon. After some unexpected expenses money is a little tight, and, based on similar job postings, my salary tens of thousands of dollars below the market rate. If I got a raise/promotion this would be a huge help and, frankly, I think I deserve it.

Would be a bad look to talk about a raise before typical salary negotiations? Similarly, is it advisable to try and get an offer somewhere else to counter? I know this is common but it's a tough market and it could also strain my relationships even if I get an offer.

If I were at a hedge fund, I would make the following trade: long semis, short semis. The idea is that as AI expands, SaaSpocalypse fears come to roost and software companies will face increasing competition from vibecoded alternatives or more advanced new entrants, weighing on margins and ARR.

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Personally I don't buy into this completely. I think letting amateurs build their own platforms trying to compete with the big boys will go poorly, either because 1. They lack the professional expertise to make a comparable product, or 2. They lack the cybersecurity expertise to avoid a major cyberattack.

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Regardless, since semi stocks have soared while software stocks have cratered, one would expect the market believes this story and investors should continue to expect semi and software stocks to move in opposite directions. If the aforementioned thesis is wrong, AI demand would decline and enterprise software demand would rise.

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This brings me to Microsoft: they have the best of both worlds but are treated as the worst. Their stock does not seem to be getting any of the upside from hyperscaler demand and the stock gets beaten down because of their software revenues (which I do not see being replaced anytime soon).

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I do see their OpenAI partnership as an increasing drag on their stock as Anthropic is cleaning their clock as of late. But if Azure demand rises or 365 demand rises, we should see some level of bullishness on either their cloud or software revenues.. Right?

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TLDR; MSFT seems oversold to me.

Currently an analyst at an asset manager in Boston. Have been casually musing about moving to San Diego for a change of pace. I hear the weather is nice and it's more relaxed, and I'm sure cost of living is more manageable than the east cost cities

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How are the job prospects? Pros and cons? Curious to hear from anyone who lives in San Diego or has made a similar switch.

In the movie The Big Short, Michael Burry buys CDS against the housing market, betting against a market which historically has done very well. Okay, fine. But 1. The movie acts like Michael Burry invented the CDS, which... No he didn't, and 2. Because he was the first to do so he has to pay very high premiums. If Burry is betting against AAA MBS, shouldn't his premiums be low, not high? Also, the movie acts like for Burry to be right, the defaults have to occur. But being long CDS generates profit any time there's weakening in credit strength. The housing market doesn't have to break for Burry to profit, just bend.

TLDR; the movie The Big Short makes CDS on AAA MBS seem bonkers, but it shouldn't be. Am I missing something? Does the book frame things in a more realistic fashion? Is the reality dramatized for theatrical effect? It's probably that.

I know the reddit consensus is "dollar cost average and never sell under any circumstances", but the market is surging to frankly ridiculous levels. I've been reading "The Intelligent Investor" lately and have been thinking that to buy low and sell high, you have to actually sell.

I have about 40 shares of SPY and am thinking of selling like 2 of them. A drop in the bucket overall, but I feel like I need to lock in SOMETHING. Oil continually over $100/bbl with layoffs mounting due to AI, chip stocks rising way past fundamentals moving the market higher. I don't know where the top or bottom is, but the current direction of the market seems unsustainable. Might as well make some gains.