Trading on a desk requires intense focus and quick reflexes, much like playing a sport. Every phone call and computer alert represents a client who wants to make a trade, and ignoring them could mean losing business to a competitor. The atmosphere is tense, with the heat of multiple computers running at full capacity causing everyone to sweat. On busy days, traders are glued to their desks without a moment to spare, testing their endurance.
Traders use communication on the trading floor as a secret code, with phrases like “cable, a yard, mine, Geneva” translating to specific trading actions. Even small mistakes can lead to frustration, loud outbursts, and even equipment damage. However, the dynamics of trading have shifted in recent years due to new regulations that have limited profits and high-frequency traders taking over in stock markets. The global economy has been sluggish, with markets moving predictably and offering little excitement for investors.
One exception to this calm period was the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s election, which left traders with few reasons to make frequent trades. As a result of these events, revenues decreased and returns suffered, leading to job layoffs instead of market volatility. The trading floor once buzzed with excitement and fast-paced action but has now become quieter and more subdued.
