The Wall Street Journal is seeking a reporter to cover retail investing in New York.
Day trading exploded during the pandemic when people were stuck at home and pocketing extra cash from stimulus checks, while apps like Robinhood made trading easy and fun. These days, investors bet on everything from digital tokens they know have no underlying value to risky options that could be worthless within hours.
There’s never been a more exciting time to cover the rise in retail investing. There are countless stories to be told about the pockets of the market that have morphed into a casino—and of the reinvention of consumer finance led by companies like Robinhood.
We’re looking for someone who can illuminate the risks of the gamification of trading. You will go beyond the numbers to tell the stories of the investors who make and break fortunes–and of those affected by the markets’ rise and fall. We need a sharp writer who can translate complicated and nuanced information for our highly engaged audience.
The ideal candidate is a newshound who’s capable of nailing scoops and writing ambitious features. This reporter is comfortable on video and audio, and loves to experiment with storytelling formats. We’re looking for someone with a solid working knowledge of financial markets. A desire to collaborate with colleagues in other coverage areas is a must.
You will:
-Write with flair about the biggest people and themes on Wall Street, while pitching and delivering your own coverage ideas on market trends and themes.
-Develop expertise that bolsters the Journal’s standing as an indispensable source of financial news.
-Plan and execute stories across a variety of newsroom teams and platforms. That includes conceiving visuals, writing headlines and figuring out how to best reach and engage the Journal’s millions of readers.
-Cultivate deep sources on Wall Street, including traders, investors and other key players.
You have:
-Willingness and ability to study and understand complex topics in markets and economics.
-The skill to file stories with speed, accuracy and clarity, conforming with house style.
-Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
-An aptitude for navigating complex data and using relevant, compelling numbers to undergird your stories.
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter and five published writing samples by Tuesday, November 12th. This position will be based in New York and will report to the Markets editors.
To apply, go here.