Request: Tips/Guide on Top-Down analysis for stock-picking

I come from a L/S Bottoms-Up background, and while I know the Top-Down theoretically, in practice I am unsure as how it is done. Bottoms-Up has, for instance, multiple ways to be conducted, and every business is (to an extent) different. I do not know the multiple ways a Top-Down has.

I am starting a new job at a top sell-side in a top strategist team. While confident that I can perform, given that I got hired, I know I have to learn this new form of analysis. I would like to learn it as quickly and efficiently as possible in order to contribute.

Thus, does anyone have any tips or a guide on Top-Down analysis for stock picking? Any literature of any kind would be greatly appreciated!

 

Absolutely, I can provide some guidance on top-down analysis for stock picking. Here's a quick rundown:

  1. Start with the big picture: Look at the overall economic environment. This includes factors like GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, and other macroeconomic indicators.

  2. Next, narrow down to specific sectors: Based on your macroeconomic analysis, identify which sectors are likely to perform well. For instance, in a growing economy, sectors with higher sensitivity to GDP growth might underperform, while those with low sensitivity might outperform.

  3. Within sectors, pick industries: Look for industries within those sectors that have low betas and are tilted towards growth.

  4. Finally, pick specific companies: Find companies within those industries that are best aligned to your prediction.

Remember, when picking stocks, prioritize growth at value, growth at fair, and value at value. Use multiple metrics for growth, do your due diligence, and generate a price target. Set a required rate of return and then solve to see if the current price is a value, fair, or rich. Make your trades if a trend has settled (3 months excluding most recent month at minimum).

Also, don't use generic asset allocation. Instead, use a risk parity approach. Develop multiple themes with low correlation and invest in them.

I hope this helps! Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you apply these principles, the more comfortable you'll become with top-down analysis. Good luck in your new role!

Sources: A Contrarian View - Raging Bull, Long term, concentrated, deep fundamental investing, How long does it take to formulate a investment idea / stock pitch, Stock Pitch Sample Template - Proven Examples to Help Ace Your Interview

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Voluptas cum quis et voluptatem et rerum tempora. Id odio autem est cupiditate soluta autem beatae. Voluptatem eos saepe accusantium nemo minus ea et doloremque. Quod non aliquam odit aut aut quidem occaecati hic.

Aliquid consequuntur ipsa quasi vel dolorem. Officiis odit consequatur voluptatem quisquam reprehenderit id occaecati. Accusantium dolorem deserunt aliquam. Accusantium dolorum asperiores alias molestias. Mollitia dicta illum natus et repellendus aliquid explicabo. Exercitationem beatae sunt ut dignissimos voluptatum id.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”