Rates Derivatives Trading - Interview Question Examples?

Have an interview coming up for a role in this space - anyone have any examples of interesting questions/problems that could come up? I've been through the ones in Heard on the Street but keen to make sure I've covered as much ground as possible.

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some examples of interview questions and problems that could come up for a role in rates derivatives trading:

  1. Understanding of Rates Products:

    • Explain the difference between interest rate swaps, swap spreads, and swaptions.
    • How do you price an interest rate swap?
    • What are the key drivers of swap spreads?
  2. Macro and Market Impact:

    • How do central bank announcements affect rates markets?
    • Discuss the impact of inflation on interest rates.
    • How do macroeconomic indicators influence rates trading strategies?
  3. Hedging and Risk Management:

    • How would you hedge a position in interest rate swaps?
    • Explain the concept of delta hedging in the context of FX options and its relation to rates.
    • What are the risks associated with holding a portfolio of rates derivatives?
  4. Quantitative and Technical Skills:

    • Describe the Hull-White model and its application in rates derivatives.
    • How would you bootstrap a yield curve?
    • Explain the use of Monte Carlo simulations in pricing derivatives.
  5. Scenario Analysis:

    • How would you adjust your trading strategy in a rising interest rate environment?
    • What would be your approach if you expect a significant economic downturn?
  6. Behavioral and Fit Questions:

    • Why are you interested in rates trading?
    • Describe a time when you had to analyze complex data to make a trading decision.
    • How do you stay updated with market trends and economic news?

These questions cover a broad range of topics that are likely to be relevant for a role in rates derivatives trading. Good luck with your interview preparation!

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/qa-1st-year-bb-london-rates-trader-taking-your-questions?customgpt=1, Q&A: Rates & Macro Research/Strategy - Career Path, Technical Topics, Education, etc., https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/sales-trading-interview-guide-gekkos-guidance-part-2?customgpt=1, For love of the game, Q&A: Equity Derivatives S&T

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Really depends on scope of role, I wear many hats at my shop so your experience could be different. Roughly though I would make sure you have a firm grasp on caps/floors/swaptions, stochastic volatility (everything is normal nowadays). Basic things would be like swap pricing, risk bucketing etc. I mostly code in cpp and python. Also depends if you are dealing with US rates, G10, EM, etc.

Thanks v much, definitely helpful. If you're able to I'd be keen to understand a little bit more about how the quant side ties into your role, as that's definitely something I want to emphasise to them in terms of my potential value add. Are you essentially building out the pricing/running a kind of semi-systematic strategy?

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