https://compoundingwithliam.com/ Research, trading reflections, and field notes from learning finance. en-us https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/cash-vs-stock-45-deals.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/cash-vs-stock-45-deals.html A comparison of cash- and stock-funded acquisitions, and the classification error that made me revisit the sample. Research Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/i-built-a-tool-to-grade-memecoins.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/i-built-a-tool-to-grade-memecoins.html Building a memecoin screener, testing where its score could be manipulated, and deciding which proposed fixes to reject. Research Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/pe-managing-partner-bet-on-one-sector.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/pe-managing-partner-bet-on-one-sector.html A conversation about sector specialization in aerospace and defense private equity. Field Notes Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/pfizer-buys-its-growth.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/pfizer-buys-its-growth.html An event study of eleven Pfizer acquisitions. Payment types showed different returns, but the small sample leaves uncertainty. Research Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/doing-the-math-on-the-100-hour-week.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/doing-the-math-on-the-100-hour-week.html Checking my assumptions about junior bankers' hours, compensation, and the tradeoffs of the job. Field Notes Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/how-id-run-my-own-firm.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/how-id-run-my-own-firm.html A proposed investment approach, two tools I built, and the parts I have yet to test. Research Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/the-rule-doesnt-care-what-you-want.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/the-rule-doesnt-care-what-you-want.html Testing a moving-average rule on eighteen years of crude oil futures data, and examining why it lagged buy-and-hold. Research Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/an-autopsy-of-a-losing-book.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/an-autopsy-of-a-losing-book.html Thirteen simulated gold trades, a losing account, and the limits of what a directional breakdown can explain. Trading Journal Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/turning-eggs-in-one-basket-into-math.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/turning-eggs-in-one-basket-into-math.html Building a five-year portfolio model and tracing the bugs behind the first version of the chart. Research Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/what-trading-and-investing-have-taught-me.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/what-trading-and-investing-have-taught-me.html What I have learned from futures trading and holding index funds, and how I think about their different purposes. Trading Journal Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/the-career-i-almost-wrote-off.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/the-career-i-almost-wrote-off.html How an early search about finance developed into an interest in investment banking and M&A. Field Notes Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/what-cold-outreach-taught-me.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/what-cold-outreach-taught-me.html Cold emailing finance professionals in Charleston: the silence, the replies, and what I learned from one yes. Field Notes Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/what-a-bad-trade-taught-me.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/what-a-bad-trade-taught-me.html Revisiting an April 8 entry during a sell-off and separating the entry decision from trade management. Trading Journal Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/first-mock-financial-plan.html https://compoundingwithliam.com/posts/first-mock-financial-plan.html Working through a mock couple's debt, goals, and budget in RightCapital during my shadowing experience. Field Notes Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000