Analyst: Economics and fixed income

Merchant West is one of the largest privately-owned providers of specialised financial solutions and advisory services to businesses and high net worth individuals in South Africa. Founded in 1998, Merchant West provides tailor-made lending, wealth management, asset management and transactional solutions to businesses and high-net-worth individuals, with offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, George, Durban, Nelspruit, Port Elizabeth, Namibia, and North Carolina USA. Certain companies in the Merchant West Group are licenced and authorised financial services providers. Merchant West lending products extend to bespoke asset finance (across an extensive range of asset classes), fleet finance, working capital funding, property finance solutions and specialised finance. Merchant West advisory products extend to investment strategies, private wealth management and treasury solutions. Merchant West Investments is a multi-strategy asset management business that places the highest priority on the stewardship of clients’ assets. We carefully select the areas of investment that provide a competitive advantage, delivering excellent outcomes for our clients across a variety of investment strategies.

Responsibilities

• Keep abreast of local and global economic data which may influence the various investment strategies of MWI.
• Analyse economic data and report back to the team on a regular basis.
• Develop and express your views on the short- and long-term trajectory of relevant economic data, including (but not limited to) local and global interest rates, inflation and GDP growth.
• Maintain fixed income portfolio sheets and make regular portfolio recommendations to portfolio managers based on sound economic analysis.
• Contribute positively to the culture of MWI.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years study in financial economics, or similar discipline (Master’s degree preferable).
• Exceptional academic track record (distinction or equivalent grade a minimum necessity for consideration).

Experience

• 0-2 years’ work experience.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.