FUND MANAGERS' jobs are often seen as one of the most glamorous career choices in the world, involving as they do a range of strategies and formulas. Perhaps slightly less glamorous, but equally important are the jobs of investment analysts who scrutinise and write reports that influence how millions of dollars are invested.
It is the fund manager who is responsible for choosing an investment strategy for a client. The job covers many areas such as managing pension, insurance, investment and other types of funds including trusts or private client portfolios.
Depending on the goals, fund managers may invest in a selection of assets ranging from equities, bonds and cash to derivatives and commodities. The investment strategies vary and depend on a fund manager's investment style and an investor's risk appetite.
According to John Lai, chief investment officer of Asia Strategic Investment Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank of East Asia Group, a fund manager's job can be stressful, challenging and exciting.
He said becoming a successful fund manager required common sense, a grasp of fundamentals and a strong character.
Mr Lai said managing a fund was also a combination of science and art.