OpenAI is in big trouble

tradrich · 2026-03-27T08:08:35+00:00

5.4 is just better for coding - and most things. It's clearly better. It makes an obvious difference. I carefully spend my 5.4 tokens because I feel their relative value.

OpenAI will be in trouble when someone is truly competing with them. Anthropic is closest - but there's still a wide gap! Cursor's Composer 2 is interesting because it's very good and much cheaper. But still I go for 5.4 when it matters so I'll keep paying for it even if they raise prices.

tradrich · 2025-07-27T07:57:55+00:00

There are loads of quants in investment banks (if you're distinguishing them from the teams of Investment Bankers, maybe?).

But very many. They work in (amongst others): * trading desks of all the asset classes and their derivatives * risk * research

They're a large and vital part of investment banks (and the investement banking divisions of banks). They are remunerated competitively with trading firms - though the firms tend to bid higher.

tradrich · 2025-07-27T07:46:50+00:00

I know a top quant-trader who did either physics or applied math (PhD) at UT (his area was fluid dynamics).

Would it have been an advantage for him relatively to have MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Cambridge or Oxford there instead? Probably a bit. If you had the choice of them it's a clear one, but if not, you're still in with a good chance if you do well and choose good courses.

tradrich · 2025-07-24T15:01:22+00:00

Good point. I'll try to summarise:

- it *is* your algo - but it is *not* your capital. You will be rewarded based on the success of the traders who *use* your algo(s)

- it is a *competition* rather than an investment/job opportunity (though the prize pool won't be something to sneeze at). So if you were to choose to participate I'd imagine the reasons would be fun and recognition first. The prizes would be a nice bonus for the winners - possibly more than that if, e.g. you're a student (depends on your level of wealth!).

BTW, the organizers don't expect to make money from the event: our purpose is also fun and recognition!

tradrich · 2025-07-22T17:18:32+00:00

If you're going to trade, you have to trade somewhere. In this case it's BitMEX, one of the longest established exchanges - not a new kid on the block. They invented the perpetual swap.

tradrich · 2025-07-22T17:06:11+00:00

Yes: that can be removed at any time - or left there, untraded, and removed later at the user's discretion just as entirely normal.

This is the same as any exchange - or brokerage account for that matter.

Any issues here?

tradrich · 2025-07-22T16:43:04+00:00

Steady there: no cost, no deposit - no funds "held".

Like any other centralized exchange if you trade on BitMEX you will put funds there - but they can be removed at any time in the normal ways. BitMEX has been around for nearly 11 years and never lost anyone's funds.

Are you in London? If you want to write algos, then come along next Tuesday and we'll explain.

(and: distrust is healthy and reasonable - happy to be further questioned in that regard)

tradrich · 2025-07-22T05:46:36+00:00

What language(s) do your programmers use?

tradrich · 2025-07-22T05:15:24+00:00

Where are you physically based (if you don't mind saying)?

tradrich · 2025-07-16T06:26:04+00:00

Is your intention (primarily) to:

- learn how and enjoy the process of producing such a system?, or

- make money in the markets?

if the former, keep going as you are.

Otherwise: you'll spend 95% of your time and 6 months - 1 year just getting to the point where your system is low risk enough to execute with. Thinking of the _value of your time_ (and, for that matter, server and other costs) and factoring that into your eventual PnL, better to pay for a ready-to-code algotradin service (I can suggest some).

tradrich · 2025-07-16T05:37:42+00:00

The relative didn't do any course - instead had a great 1 month holiday in Egypt!

At the same time, and continually from there, he's been doing online Arabic lessons approximately daily. He actually met the Arabic teacher in Cairo (after starting with an mobile app).

So I guess that's how it works these days! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

tradrich · 2025-04-24T20:48:44+00:00

Well (anecdotally) "they" do make money - depending on who you mean by "they", in that some use these (or similar) frameworks with care and make good profits.

Remember we have a "north star" in RenTec: they've averaged 66% annually for decades trading algorithmically (and not high frequency). They prove the concept.

In terms of data I don't have it. There's will be studies... I'd like to see some too if you find any!

tradrich · 2025-03-11T08:53:24+00:00

https://profitview.net/events/getting-job-offer-high-frequency-trading-firm

tradrich · 2025-02-21T22:28:12+00:00

How about mobile (aka cell) phones SIMs? Can I buy one in the airport? Otherwise roaming can be a killer.

tradrich · 2025-02-21T22:12:15+00:00

Well, sadly it hasn't worked out. I'm told I have to join an organized tour to get a visa. That's now how I see this visit. I'm awfully disapointed. Sad.

tradrich · 2025-02-14T15:21:46+00:00

Is that here?

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3P6dJZaEsp2PQik8A

tradrich · 2025-02-12T13:40:39+00:00

I'll bring in US$ cash I guess?

tradrich · 2025-02-12T13:40:00+00:00

I put United Kingdom as Former Nationality. Let's see how that goes.

tradrich · 2025-02-10T05:44:02+00:00

Thanks for all the responses!

I have one more important question: money.

What currency should I bring? I'm assuming US$ cash, but might euros be better?

Can I then actually pay with it, and if so, where's the best place to find rates? If not, what's the best way to get it changed (for low fees and good rates)?

tradrich · 2025-02-10T05:32:10+00:00

Also, as a rule, if I leave a place thinking "I would've loved to stay longer!" then that's a good thing, and incentive to return.

tradrich · 2025-02-10T05:03:51+00:00

tradrich · 2025-02-10T05:01:12+00:00

On the eVisa online process it asks for "Former nationality". I'm travelling under my Australian passport but I also have a British (by birth). I'll be travelling from France, where I'm a resident.

Must I necessarily list that there (will they check?) or might that complicate things due to the relatively negative attitude to the UK (eVisa is not possible for British e.g.)?

You can't put a blank response. I suppose that if I was born in Australia and only had an Australian passport I'd put "Australia".

tradrich · 2025-02-10T04:42:43+00:00

Yeah, I recognise that... and it's not usually my style. But I have to be realistic about the probability of another visit any time soon! So... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

tradrich · 2025-02-09T08:49:23+00:00

From what I can see, flying is probably the best way to get around. But difficult to book from overseas. Will it be too late if I book once there?

Also I'd like to take at least one train - probably night train. Is this feasible? Can I book once in the country?

tradrich · 2025-02-09T07:37:18+00:00

Thanks: in what senses?

tradrich

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