The Alternative Data Podcast The Wenqi Zhou Episode
Nov 20, 2024
Wenqi Zhou, a quantitative researcher with experience at Balyasny and Citi, dives into the nuanced world of alternative data. She breaks down how sell-side traders utilize data for risk management and trading strategies. Wenqi discusses the transformative impact of AI on productivity and the evolving role of data across investment horizons. She also shares her insights on the China market, emphasizing the importance of policy changes and the unique characteristics of its market structure. Plus, she draws intriguing parallels between music and investing.
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From Fujian To NYU
- Wenqi grew up in Fujian, moved through Jiangxi to Shanghai and chose Shanghai for college because she likes energetic cities and finance opportunities.
- Her father encouraged studying in New York, which influenced her move to NYU for a Master of Financial Engineering.
Early Citi And MBS Internship
- Wenqi started at Citi in the Quant and Trading Rotational Program and worked across mortgage, credit and cross-asset desks before settling in equity systematic trading.
- Her first exposure to alternative data was building a housing price model using public and proprietary macro datasets during an MBS internship.
When Alternative Data Becomes Just Data
- Wenqi defines alternative data as anything outside traditional market data like price and volume and notes it becomes mainstream as more people use it.
- She highlights that as datasets become common their alpha fades and they simply become 'data'.