• Investment Analyst II

    Raymond James Financial, Inc. (Baltimore, MD)


    Job Summary

    This role reports to the Senior Investment Strategists and is chiefly responsible for assisting in the development and refinement of our asset allocation models and long-term capital market assumptions (CMAs) that are used by Financial Advisors and their clients. The Investment Analyst will conduct in-depth macroeconomic and market research that are essential to guiding our long-term investment forecasts and views across all asset classes. The incumbent will collaborate with the CIO, economists, and investment strategists to develop and message our multi-asset class views, strategic and tactical positioning, and will be responsible for communicating key investment insights and allocation decisions to internal and external stakeholders. The Investment Analyst will also generate thought leadership on market dynamics, asset allocation and will be expected to participate in presentations, conferences, and other client-related events.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

    + Lead the design and refinement of strategic and tactical asset allocation models across multiple asset classes

    + Lead the development, refinement, and regular update of capital market assumptions

    + Translate insights from CMAs and macroeconomic/market research into actionable tactical investment views

    + Develop commentary for advisor and client consumption that outlines our strategic and tactical views

    + Prepare and deliver both oral and written strategic and tactical views to key internal and external stakeholders

    + Develop, maintain, and enhance proprietary models for the economy (e.g., recessionary models), equities (valuation models) and fixed income (levels and spreads)

    + Contributes regularly to the CIO Suite of publications

    + Serve as back-up to CIO/Investment Strategists in responding to CA/FA inquiries

     

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    Knowledge of

    + Extensive knowledge of a wide range of asset classes that include equities (U.S., sectors, international, developed, and emerging markets), fixed income (sectors), commodities and alternatives.

    + A deep understanding of global capital markets, their dynamics, and the interplay between different asset classes

    + A foundational understanding of portfolio construction theory

    + Research tools such as FactSet and Bloomberg

    + On-line research data providers (Fed, BLS, BEA)

    + Company’s working structure, policies, mission, strategies, and compliance guidelines.

    + Economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and analysis and reporting of financial data

    + Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

    Skill in

    + The ability to analyze macroeconomic factors and their impact on investments and asset allocation strategy

    + Strong quantitative analysis and financial modeling skills

    + Strong work ethic, commitment to deadlines and strong attention to details

    + Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications to produce correspondence, reports, electronic communication, spreadsheets, and databases

    + Strong communication skill set, particularly writing

    + Preparing and delivering clear, effective, and professional presentations

    + Identify the needs of customers through effective questioning and listening techniques

    Ability to

    + Build databases, analyze data (including regression analysis), and communicate findings

    + Monitor the drivers of performance for each asset class ranging from equities to bonds to alternatives

    + Be self-motivated and successful in creating individualistic research

    + Organize, manage, and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment

    + Articulate reasons behind decisions

    + Keep all appropriate parties up to date on decisions, changes, and other relevant information

    + Identify problems, gather facts, and develop solutions

    Educational/Previous Experience Requirements

    + Undergraduate degree in Finance or Economics; CFA or MBA candidates a plus with 6-8 years of financial industry experience

    + An equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training as approved by Human Resources

    Licenses/Certifications

    + SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied

    + Series 7 required