144. Pete Muller, Founder of PDT Partners on Building One of the Top Performing Quantitative Hedge Funds

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we sit down with one of the most legendary quant investors of all time—Pete Muller. As the founder of PDT Partners, one of the top performing quantitative hedge funds that spun out of Morgan Stanley, Pete shares his fascinating journey. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how statistical arbitrage strategies drive market success, the importance of building a strong research-driven team, and why trust and collaboration are essential in quantitative finance. Beyond the trading floor, Pete’s story takes unexpected turns. From high-stakes poker games that sharpened his risk management skills to a deep passion for music, he discusses how these seemingly unrelated pursuits have shaped his approach to investing. He also delves into the emotional side of finance—how quants, despite relying on models, still experience the highs and lows of market movements, and why understanding human psychology is just as critical as analyzing data. Whether you’re an aspiring quant, a seasoned investor, or just someone intrigued by the intersection of finance, strategy, and creativity, this episode is packed with insights. Plus, as a special treat, we close the episode with a song from Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls—his band that embodies his lifelong love for music. Tune in for an engaging discussion on markets, models, and the unexpected ways in which finance and the arts collide. Find more about Pete’s music at https://www.petemuller.com/ Shop our Self Paced Courses: Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HERE Subscribe to our Substack: https://substack.com/@thewallstreetskinny