Topics:
- Futures Background & a Pit Story
- Russell 2k Futures
- Growth of Micros
- ESG Futures
- Russell Reconstitution
Guest:
Sean Smith
Managing Director Derivatives Licensing at FTSE Russell
Sean’s Resources
Rapid Fire ?
Q. Who has influenced your career the most and why?
A. Jim Kreitman. When I was a senior trade assistant I clerked for Jim on the PHLX. He taught me composure in a fast environment along floor trading skills I use to this day Jim became global head of trading at Credit Suisse. Prior to retiring from the industry
Q. What was one of the hardest things for you to overcome in Trading?
A. While trading in the Eurodollar Pit on the CME Floor along side 3500 other traders and brokers. Being recognized and becoming a liquidity provider that the floor broker knew he or she could have confidence in the market. Size mattered. Not only order size. But physical size. You had to be visible. That was difficult I’m the areas I traded in.
Q. What is one attribute that you believe every trader should have?
A. Discipline. And sticking to his / her trading discipline. Always have a strategy of where to get into the market and when to exit.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about trading?
A. Advice came from a former boss. John Tobin. Have confidence in your markets. You have been trained with skills for a lifetime. Use them to the best of your ability and enjoy yourself.
Q. If you could give the younger you advice after everything you’ve learned about trading, what would it be?
A. Learn. Read. Always be prepared. As I said earlier. Stick to a discipline. Without it you won’t be trading very long.
Q. If you had to pick a profession other than trading, what would it be?
A. Sales. I’m a natural people person who no matter what business line I am in. My customers know they have me for life. It’s in my DNA.
Q. What was your edge in Trading?
A. I had a unique ability to establish rapport with various trading crowds on and off the trading floors. ( Thanking Jim Kreitman again ). This skill has proven to be scalable throughout my career.
Q. Favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
A. Besides becoming my Dad being glued to CNBC and the Weather Channel.
Recorded 5/13/20
If you enjoyed this interview with Sean be sure to listen to these other episodes:
Evolving As A Trader — Merritt Black
Less About Fundamentals, More About Risk Management – Mark Dow
