Macro Analyst

Optiver; Illinois; On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 50%

Comprehensive health, dental, vision,

Disability & life coverage

25 vacation days + market holidays

Office perks: breakfast, lunch, snacks

Job summary

Optiver’s Equity Index Macro Analyst will provide research and trade recommendations on macro events affecting equity index markets. You will sit on the trading desk and influence decisions daily, collaborating with Traders and Analysts to identify opportunities.

You are expected to have 5+ years of macro analysis experience, fluency in English, and a deep understanding of policy impacts on volatility and indices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; finance or economics preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience analyzing macro events and equity index markets.
• Understanding of fiscal/monetary policy impact on indices and volatility.
• Knowledge of structural flows and market positioning.
• Fluency in English with strong written/verbal communication.
• US work authorization; no sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Analyze macro events and their impact on equity index products to generate research and trade ideas.
• Leverage macro events, flows, and positioning to provide recommendations.
• Collaborate with Traders and Analysts to identify opportunities and solutions.
• Monitor real-time events and their effect on prices.
• Interface with industry connections to understand macro picture and market structure.

Skills

Macro analysis

Trade idea generation

Market research

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Bloomberg

Reuters

Job description

Optiver’s Index Options Market Making team is looking for an Equity Index Macro Analyst to provide research and trade recommendations on macro events and their impact on equity index markets. Ideal candidates will have a self-starter and competitive mentality and are excited by the opportunity to bring their knowledge and skills to a growing team.

A thoughtful and proactive approach to risk-taking is essential to succeed in this role. You will play a critical role on our team and have the opportunity to make a material impact to the firm’s PnL. You will sit directly on the trading desk, where you will be able to influence trading decisions and positions on a daily basis.

What you’ll do

As an Equity Index Macro Analyst at Optiver, you will be responsible for leveraging macro events, structural flows, and market positioning to provide research and trade recommendations for equity index products. As a member of our team, you will work in close collaboration with Traders and Analysts to creatively solve problems and identify new trading opportunities.

As a Macro Analyst, your key responsibilities include:

• Analyze and generate a theoretical value for each major macro event and its impact on equity indices

• Generate trade ideas based on this theoretical value and market positioning

• Monitor and analyze structural flows and positioning in equity index markets and their impact on prices

• Collaborate intrafirm with other macro analysts to develop event theos

• Monitor and analyze the evolution of real time events and their impact on equity index products

• Interface with connections through industry to better understand the macro picture and equity market structure

What you’ll get

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries

• Highly competitive compensation package

• Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure

• 401(k) match up to 50%

• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage

• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays

• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree

• At least 5 years of experience analyzing macro events and their impact on equity index markets (SPX, NDX, and related products)

• An understanding of how events and changes in Fiscal and Monetary Policy impact equity indices and market volatility

• Knowledge of structural flows and positioning dynamics in equity index markets and how they influence price action

• A thorough understanding of the broader macro landscape and its transmission mechanisms to equity markets

• Fluency in English with highly effective verbal and written communication skills

• Experience in identifying emerging opportunities and risks

• Familiarity with various research/database platforms (Bloomberg, Reuters etc)

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we will not sponsor individuals for employment authorization for this job opening

Who we are

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good‑faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.

Base Salary Range

$200,000—$200,000 USD