The Derivative

This episode dives deep into the math and people behind what most people take for granted or don’t even know they need to improve their trading – execution algorithms. We cover Orlando as a favorite vacation spot (What&^%),  what/who is a quant, working with students at Notre Dame, UCLA, and Illinois, how even a slow trader can benefit from fast execution, algos named Prowlers, Snipers, Leggers, and….R2-D2 as a vacuum cleaner. RCM-X is a trading technology and risk management services company, and as you might guess from  the name, a subsidiary of RCM Alternatives. We sit down and chat with their top two people - Joe Signorelli, RCM-X Managing partner, and David Don, COO/Head of Algorithmic Trading – and dive into the background of RCM-X, what execution algorithms really are, how they're implemented in modern day trading firms, and why they're important for more firms than you might think. We also discuss the RCM-X University program, which is a cool way this innovative group is bridging the gap between academia and professional trading firms to help build a solid base of future talent of the industry through top college programs. How to follow along with RCM-X: RCM-X website, Twitter, & LinkedIn Joe Signorelli LinkedIn & Contact David Don LinkedIn & Contact And last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and sign-up for our blog digest. Disclaimer: Due to industry regulations hosts and participants will not discuss any company funds on this podcast. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives or any of their affiliates. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. Visitors should not act upon the content or information found here without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional. For more information, visit rcmalternatives.com.

This fun conversation talks with two guys who have chosen a life of monitoring the markets on a near real-time basis, covering serious strategy components, as well as whether a Bulls game or trading Asian markets overnight is more fun for a trader in their 20s, trading Trump tweets, what ‘you can’t lose money’ actually means, Indiana Hoosier basketball, going from global war to blooming peace in 45 minutes,  and being a dinosaur Breakout Funds is one of the more unique strategies that we collaborate with as they focus on being a bit more discretionary, more short-term, and approach the market with more convexity than your average manager - sometimes leading to interrupted vacation time. Aaron Larkin, CEO & Co-Founder, and Matt Laviolette, Founder, CIO, & Principal of Breakout Funds join us on this episode to discuss their backgrounds and how their unique approach works. Follow along with the Breakout Fund team through LinkedIn with Aaron Larkin & Matt Laviolette and the Breakout Fund website.  And last but not least, don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and sign-up for our blog digest. Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visit www.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer

Wayne Himelsein is a hedge fund manager, President, and Chief Investment Officer at Logica Capital Advisers. Beyond that Wayne is a 25-year veteran in the trading space, and we're talking about hedge funds, his quantitative investment strategies, and even his own non-profit, Informed-by-Nature.  On this episode we're covering the oddity of a volatility trader living somewhere where there is no volatility (in the weather), reading the world’s longest book, hoping this is the big one when your car is in midair, J-Curve the rapper, and overpaying by 1000% for out of the money options. Make sure to follow Wayne on Twitter and LinkedIn, and check out the Logica Capital Advisers and Informed-By-Nature.  Don't forget to subscribe to The Derivative, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and sign-up for our blog digest.  Disclaimer: Due to industry regulations hosts and participants will not discuss any company funds on this podcast. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives or any of their affiliates. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. Visitors should not act upon the content or information found here without first seeking appropriate advice from an accountant, financial planner, lawyer or other professional. For more information, visit rcmalternatives.com.