The trading desk is a fast-paced environment where quick reflexes and intense focus are necessary. Every phone call and computer alert represents a client who wants to make a trade, and missing them could mean losing business to a competitor. The atmosphere is tense, with the heat of multiple computers running at full capacity causing everyone to sweat. On busy days, traders are glued to their desks without a moment to spare, testing their endurance.
Traders use a secret code of communication on the trading floor, with phrases like “cable, a yard, mine, Geneva” translating to specific trading actions. Mistakes can lead to frustration, loud outbursts, and even equipment damage. However, the dynamics of trading have shifted in recent years due to new regulations that have limited profits and high-frequency traders taking over in stock markets. The global economy has been sluggish, with markets moving predictably and offering little excitement for investors.
Exceptions to this calm period include events such as the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s election, which left traders with few reasons to make frequent trades. As a result of these events, revenues have decreased and returns have suffered leading job layoffs instead of market volatility. The trading floor has become quieter and more subdued compared to its past as a hub of excitement and fast-paced action