Market or systematic risk is the daily risk that an investment will decrease in value due to changes in the value of securities. Market risk should be factored into any market investment as it cannot be mitigated by diversification.
The standard market risk factors are identified below:
Equity risk - the risk that the price of shares will change.
Interest rate risk - the risk that interest rates will change.
Currency risk - the risk that foreign exchange rates will change.
Commodity risk - the risk that the prices of commodities will change.
Market Risk Analysts assess how external factors might affect the prices of investments (shares, commodities etcetera) and the risk that these factors might pose to markets in general. Market Risk Analysts work with traders to factor in these risks to specific trades.
Typical duties include:
Determining a market risk ‘attitude' or strategy for employers/clients.
Working closely with traders and other colleagues to ensure market risk analysis supports decision making and to ensure that transactions are made within agreed market risk strategy.
Identifying, measuring, assessing, monitoring and reporting on market risk to colleagues and clients.
Reporting to senior management on risk governance.
Qualifications
Entry level roles for Market Risk Analysts are typically open to graduates, especially those from the following disciplines: mathematics; statistics; economics; accountancy; business; and law.
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