Your Interactive Journey into Quantitative Finance
This guide transforms the complex world of quantitative trading and research into an accessible, interactive experience. Designed for aspiring interns and beginners, it breaks down core concepts, tools, and strategies. Use the navigation above to explore the foundations, workflow, and future of this dynamic field.
What is Quantitative Trading?
Quantitative trading uses mathematical models and computer algorithms to make systematic, data-driven financial decisions. By removing human emotion, it aims to identify and capitalize on market opportunities with speed and precision. Today, over 80% of U.S. equity trades are executed by algorithms, making quant finance the dominant paradigm in modern markets. This guide is your first step to understanding how it all works.
The Building Blocks of a Quant
This section covers the essential knowledge every quant needs: the language of the market, the mathematics that power the models, and the programming skills to bring them to life. Master these fundamentals to build a solid base for your career.
Key Terminology
The world of quant finance has its own vocabulary. Click on any card below to flip it and learn the definition of these fundamental concepts.
The Quant Workflow: From Idea to Execution
Quantitative trading follows a systematic process. This section walks you through the practical steps of a quant's daily life: acquiring the right data, developing robust strategies, and rigorously evaluating performance before risking a single dollar.
Trading Strategy Development
Performance Metrics Lab
Evaluating a strategy is crucial. A high win rate means nothing if losses are too large. Use the sliders below to see how different parameters affect a strategy's long-term profitability.
Expectancy
$25.00
Avg. P/L per trade
Profit Factor
1.50
Gross Profit / Gross Loss
The Danger of Drawdowns
Maximum Drawdown (MDD) measures the largest drop from a peak in your portfolio. A large drawdown is dangerous because it requires a much larger percentage gain to recover. This chart illustrates how quickly the required recovery gain grows.
Preparing for Your Quant Internship
Technical skills are only part of the equation. This section details the "soft" skills, educational paths, and practical projects that will make you stand out. Use this as a checklist to get ahead of the pack.
Critical Soft Skills
Practical Project Ideas
A portfolio of projects is the best way to showcase your abilities. Here are some ideas to demonstrate your skills in coding, analysis, and implementation.
Recommended Reading List
Continuous learning is key. This curated list includes foundational texts, practical guides, and books on the latest machine learning techniques in finance.
The Future of Quantitative Finance
The quant landscape is constantly evolving. Understanding these key trends—from AI and alternative data to DeFi and regulation—is crucial for staying relevant and identifying future opportunities.