Traders: Millions by the Minute

Aired 2014-09-15

Two-part documentary series which goes inside the fast and fiercely competitive world of financial traders to meet the men and women who play the markets in London, New York, Chicago and Amsterdam. The film offers a rare, personal portrait of what life is like for the people who do this lucrative but relentless job, against a backdrop of non-stop news, globalised markets and the rise of ultra-fast computers capable of placing millions of trades at a time. Manhattan hedge fund manager Karen believes that money is power and making it is fun, as she juggles two sets of twins, a busy social calendar and her $200-million fund. Bob has spent more than three decades yelling out his trades and jostling for position on Chicago's cattle futures trading floor, but now he thinks it may be time wean himself off his trading addiction. London day traders Will and Piers use their expertise to train others in the art of making money from tiny moves in the markets. But they warn their new trainees it is going to be far harder to master the psychological and emotional skills needed for trading than the technicalities. Ultimately, it is a story of money, desire and emotion.

Aired 2014-09-22

Introducing the new breed of trader - the British men and women who play the financial markets from their kitchens, sofas and bedrooms. Thanks to online trading technology, anyone with an internet connection and some cash to spare can attempt to reap the rich rewards that can come from trading. This documentary charts the real-time trading ups and downs, dreams and disappointments of a handful of Britain's 'retail traders'. Mother-of-three Jane could hardly be less like the archetypal professional City trader. She squeezes currency trading in between the school run and her work as a nurse. Justyn and Akil are ambitious young men from Birmingham, who are convinced that trading will be their ticket to lavish lifestyles. Rene gave up a successful career as an antiques dealer for a new existence as a trader, and he is undeterred despite seven years of struggling to break even. The home traders are united by a desire to take control of their lives and their own financial destinies. But the odds are stacked against them - 90% of retail traders will not make a consistent profit.