Investment Analyst II

Job Description 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.

Job Description

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

Education

Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Finance

Work Experience

General Experience - 6 to 10 years

Certifications

Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE) - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Resident

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 
We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs. 

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