equities vs currency trading salary

Hi,

Im currently applying to all the IB's for grad positions next year. However, I can't decide which business area to apply for (most only allow one application). I know i want to trade but this question is in which department...equities or FX. I have a good understanding of both and have no real preference so i think my decision will come down to money. Does anyone know if traders of fx and equities are paid the same or is one traditionally better paid than another? Any advice, guidance or info is greatly appreciated.

You shouldn't be worrying about the money at the moment. There are lots of other areas to look at, not just Equities and FX.... what about Fixed Income, Structured Products, etc??

Your obsession with salary level is misguided.

Basic salary differentials between the various departments of IB's change according to the usual laws of supply and demand. For example, at the moment the basic salary offered to experienced oil traders is high due to current demand. A year ago, the salary would have been much less.

The bulk of successful traders' income comes from their bonuses, not their basic.

Bonuses are based upon your trading success.

My advice to you is to chose the area where you think you will be most successful as a trader. This is likely to be the market that you have the most passion for and enjoy trading.

If you are successful, you will view your basic as "pocket money" as it will only form a small part of your overall reward.

Just accept that your career earnings will be about 90% random however hard you work and enjoy the ride...

That was a made-up statistic in case you weren't sure :cheesy: