1 Focus Energy Job

Job description

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Analyst with expertise in fixed income products, ETFs, and bonds, focusing on the US market. The ideal candidate will be a CFA candidate (minimum Level 2) or charter holder, with exceptional analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial markets. This role provides a platform to conduct impactful research, drive investment strategies, and work on diverse fixed-income instruments, including bonds.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fixed Income Research

• Analyze a variety of US fixed income securities, including corporate bonds, municipal bonds, government bonds, and structured products.
• Evaluate market trends such as interest rate movements, credit spreads, and yield curves to identify profitable investment opportunities.
• Conduct credit analysis of bond issuers by assessing their financial statements, credit ratings, and macroeconomic influences.

2. Bond Analysis

• Perform detailed valuation of bonds using metrics such as yield to maturity, modified duration, and convexity.
• Monitor bond market performance and develop insights on emerging trends in the US and global bond markets.
• Assess secondary market liquidity and trade dynamics to enhance investment strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive credit research reports for high-yield, investment-grade, and sovereign bonds.

3. ETF Research

• Evaluate fixed income ETFs, including their performance metrics, tracking error, liquidity, and cost structure.
• Monitor trends in ETF markets and recommend suitable fixed-income ETFs for various investment strategies.
• Analyze ETF-based fixed-income strategies compared to traditional bond investments.

4. Market Insights and Recommendations

• Monitor US economic indicators, Federal Reserve policy changes, and macroeconomic developments that impact fixed income and bond markets.
• Provide actionable investment recommendations through detailed research and modeling.
• Develop insights into ESG trends and their application in bond and fixed-income investment strategies.

5. Portfolio Support and Risk Management

• Assist in building and optimizing bond portfolios, ensuring alignment with client or institutional objectives.
• Evaluate risk factors such as credit, interest rate, and duration risks and provide mitigation strategies.
• Support portfolio managers in rebalancing portfolios and tracking investment performance.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting

• Publish high-quality research reports, white papers, and presentations on fixed income, bonds, and ETFs.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide timely updates and insights.
• Present findings to clients, portfolio managers, and senior leadership to drive decision-making.

Key Qualifications and Skills:

Educational Background:

• CFA Level 2 or Level 3 candidate preferred; CFA charter holders are highly encouraged to apply.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Technical Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of US fixed income and bond markets, including valuation techniques and risk assessment.
• Expertise in credit analysis, bond pricing, yield curve modeling, and fixed income portfolio construction.
• Familiarity with ETFs and their role in diversified fixed-income investment strategies.

Tools and Platforms:

• Proficient in Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, or similar financial platforms for fixed income research.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and experience with Python, R, or MATLAB for quantitative modeling is an advantage.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.