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Two women from different parts of the world share the stories of their lives

Two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, share the stories of their lives.

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The Conversation: City Traders: Louise Dispo and Lucy Shitova

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City Traders Louise Dispo and Lucy Shitova

City Traders: Louise Dispo and Lucy Shitova

BBC World Service - The Conversation, City Traders: Louise Dispo and Lucy Shitova

Profits, losses and bonuses - two female traders from Russia and the Philippines

City traders from Russia and the Philippines on the thrills of the trading floor, how they deal with big losses and why women's bonuses lag men's.

Women make better city traders than men according to research, but most trading floors are dominated by men. Kim Chakanetsa explores why this might be and meets two traders from Russia and the Philippines who are helping to redress the balance.

Currency trading is Louise Dispo's area of the market.  Originally from the Philippines, Louise work's in London now.  She says she's used to being one of the only females on the trading floor and thinks it's the high pressure, risk and unpredictable hours that put other women off choosing this as a career. Chocolate, coffee and nuts get Louise through the day and she says the office is filled with high screens, people shouting and phones ringing.

Lucy Shitova has traded base metals, such as aluminium and steel, for 10 years. She began her career in Russia and also works in London now.  Lucy says she was drawn to this profession because of the buzz, the "pay-off" and the fact it's like getting paid to gamble in a casino with someone else's cash.  Lucy admits that it hits hard when you lose money, but you've got to be confident in your decisions and move on.

Image: City Traders Louise Dispo (L) and Lucy Shitova (R)
Credit: Louise Dispo & Lucy Shitova

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