#112 Applying Analysis in Trading: Insights from Former JP Morgan Trader Clive Ponsonby

Clive Ponsonby graduated from Cambridge University as a Mathematician and then ventured into the dynamic and unpredictable world of Spot FX trading in the 1990s. This move was unconventional for someone with a highly academic background, transitioning to an environment dominated by fast-paced, streetwise, and quick-witted traders, many of whom hailed from non-academic backgrounds.

Clive developed a deep passion for this wild world and quickly applied his own skills and abilities to excelling in this space. Over the next two decades, Clive thrived in FX trading, securing positions at some of the world's leading Investment Banks. His journey started at Bankers Trust, a renowned hub of trading talent in the 1980s and 1990s, followed by the Swiss Banking giant UBS, and finally culminating at JP Morgan, where he served as an Executive Director of FX trading until his departure from the banking world in 2018.

In this interview, Clive candidly shares his experiences as a trader, delving into the challenges of applying various types of analysis in the trading process. He also explores the essential mindset, behaviours, and attitudes necessary for effective analysis in trading, while expressing his passion for the exhilarating trading floor atmosphere, particularly during significant events like the monthly Non-Farm Payrolls.

Clive recounts some fascinating stories from across his career in major market-making roles, trading spot FX, forward FX, non-deliverable forwards, and rates products for various banks, including JP Morgan where he led a global team across three different time zones.

Clive still trades on his own account, he also provides outstanding regular research as a currency fellow at ‘Hedder’, where he contributes exceptional research as a currency fellow at 'Hedder,' providing high-quality analysis of currency markets. Hedder provide world-beating institutional-quality research which is available both to retail investors and high-end market, assisting them in making well-informed trading decisions.

You can find out more about Hedder and the research work he does there at this link.

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