Today, we hear from Michael Tran, a Managing Director within RBC’s Global Energy Strategy Research Team - responsible for views pertaining to global oil market fundamentals. He has worked at RBC for nearly four years and previously worked at banks in both Canada and London. He lives in New York City with his wife and son.
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5:45 a.m. - Rise and shine! I sneak in a quick morning workout to help me mentally focus on the day ahead. While I have my intense face on for this photo, who am I kidding? Between exercises, I often find myself reading up on the news, answering emails and monitoring how the overnight session played out. The oil market never sleeps!
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7:30 a.m. - The work day kicks off with me making calls to clients and sales teams to arm them with investable themes for the day. Topics range from the U.S. shale boom to how Trump’s latest tweets are disrupting energy markets. Today, we’re highlighting a recent publication on the volatility pertaining to the WTI-Brent spread.
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9:30 a.m. - I’m not big on coffee, so for my morning kick I turn to raw ginger shots from Joe & The Juice as I debrief upcoming media opportunities with Lauren Hopkinson from our Corporate Communications team. I convince myself that this ritual offsets the numerous days on the road when I’m eating out of hotel rooms and airport lounges.
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11:30 a.m. - RBC Capital Markets’ flagship energy conference takes place today in New York City. I’m privileged to be speaking on the lunchtime panel alongside the one and only Helima Croft, RBC’s Global Head of Commodity Strategy. Not only is she one of the most well-connected analysts on Wall Street, but she’s also an amazing leader and role model.
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12:30 p.m. - The best part of the job is coming to work every day alongside this team – Helima, Chris and Megan. Our diverse group makes for thoughtful and thorough discussions around our research ideas, approach and product offering. Love this inspirational group!
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12:45 p.m. - I join our RBC Marketing team for a quick taping for a promotional video. Our firm has an exceptionally strong energy franchise and we’re constantly looking for ways to further our brand.
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2:30 p.m. - I’m a firm believer in the idea that you are the average of the people that you spend the most time with. So you want to spend time with the smartest people you know. Few people epitomize RBC’s culture like Kathy Kriskey. Her official title is RBC’s Head of Commodity Investor Solutions, but she also Co-Chairs our Employee Resource Group RWomen where her unofficial title is mentor and role model for the rest of us.
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4:00 p.m. - North American markets are closed, but the ideas never stop with our energy futures team. Here we discuss recent market trends and broad sentiment. I think we agree that the oil market is due for a break higher!
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7:00 p.m. - Following a chaotic session in the markets, the best way to wrap up the day is to catch up with my wife and son over dinner.
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7:30 p.m. - Declan won’t fall asleep without a good bedtime story. Tonight’s read features Arlo, the dog that needs glasses…Goodnight!