| Topic Name: |
SAS vs S-Plus |
| Message Name: |
SAS and Matlab |
| Date Posted: |
08/24/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
I've noticed that many quant-type positions require knowledge of either SAS or S-Plus (sometimes also Matlab). Before I invest a considerable amount of time learning either, which do you think will make me more marketable? |
| Message: |
I am head of quant research at one of the very biggest investment managers. I know the dominant software used at at the biggest quant firms/quant departments: Barclays Global Investors, SSGA, Deutsche Asset Management, First Quadrant, GMO, Panagora, Numeric, MSAM, GSAM, etc.
I am expert in all 3 languages you mention. Learn SAS before S-Plus. It will make you more marketable, period. Re. SAS vs. Matlab, Matlab is a little more intuitive and is superior at matrix manipulation. It is fine for smaller problems, such as asset allocation decisions where you might be dealing with fewer than 100 securities. But SAS is far superior at handling large datasets (Matlab is limited in its ability to handle character types), has a seamless SQL interface, and far greater built-in statistical and econometric capability. Quant investment management is often more about handling vast quantities of data than anything else.
P.S. The is the first time I've ever visited this site, and while it's interesting to browse the boards, 75% of the info posted here is flat out wrong.
Good luck.
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