From Trading Floor to Newsroom Star: The Untold Story of Sandra Smith

Clip: “Are you ready for me… I’m just gonna say Go!”

Sandra Smith has become a familiar face to millions of Americans as one of Fox News’ rising stars. Known for her razor-sharp financial insight and an interviewing style that could rival even the toughest journalists, Smith has carved out a unique space in the world of broadcast journalism. But beyond the poised anchor seen daily on screens across the country lies a story of grit, transformation, and resilience.

From the high-stakes world of trading to the equally fast-paced realm of cable news, Smith’s journey is one of ambition, reinvention, and personal growth. And, as fans have learned, there’s far more to her than meets the eye.

Wall Street Beginnings: From Trading to TV

Clip: “I was a fully licensed trader… I kind of grew up around this stuff.”

Sandra Smith wasn’t always in front of the camera. Raised in Wheaton, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, Smith grew up surrounded by finance. Her father was a trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and many of her relatives worked in the financial sector. After graduating from Louisiana State University, where she competed as a standout track athlete, Smith jumped into the male-dominated world of financial trading.

She worked at Aegis Capital and Hermitage Capital Management, focusing on high-yield bonds and credit derivatives. But despite her success, Smith found herself drawn to a different kind of platform—one where she could bring her financial knowledge to a broader audience.

“Hanging up my trading licenses I worked so hard to achieve was difficult,” she admitted in an interview. Still, she embraced the leap, landing first at Bloomberg TV in 2007 before joining Fox Business Network, and eventually Fox News. Her ability to distill complex economic topics into clear, engaging conversations made her an immediate standout.

Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life

For viewers, Smith may appear polished and composed—but her day begins before the sun even rises.

“I’m out the door by 4:40 a.m.,” she shared in an interview with LSU. From there, it’s a whirlwind of headlines, social media scans, and reading multiple newspapers. The anchor is known for her discipline and relentless preparation, juggling a demanding workday with her role as a wife and mother.

“I set out with a goal every day to deliver real, honest news to our viewers,” Smith explained. That intention underscores every segment she anchors and every interview she conducts.

The Louisiana Chapter: Where It All Changed

Clip: “I close my eyes because it’s my happy place… forever grateful for it.”

Though born in Illinois, Smith credits Louisiana—and specifically LSU—as the place where her life changed forever. Initially enrolled at Illinois State University, Smith decided on a whim to transfer to LSU after learning about the state’s French-speaking culture. What started as a semester abroad quickly turned into a permanent move.

“I called my parents and said, ‘There’s no way I’m leaving this place!’” she laughed.

At LSU, Smith thrived. She discovered a love for calculus (yes, really), became a student-athlete tutor, and laid the foundation for the analytical mindset that would serve her well in both finance and journalism.

Juggling Act: Career, Motherhood, and Resilience

In an industry known for long hours and relentless news cycles, Smith has been open about the challenges of maintaining work-life balance.

“Balancing work and life. I am beyond blessed to be struggling at both,” she shared with Dana Perino in a candid interview.

She also revealed a deeply personal moment: her family recently experienced a house fire, a life event that tested their strength. “I learned kids are resilient. Parents are tough. And home is where WE are together,” she reflected.

Her advice to others navigating a nonstop world? “You know when enough is enough. Turn it off and be present. Listen to your gut.”

Making History and Pushing Boundaries

Clip: “I was reporting for just shy of a year… it was an opportunity I could not pass up.”

In 2016, Smith made broadcast history when she co-moderated a presidential primary debate alongside Trish Regan—the first time two women had ever led such an event.

Rather than highlighting their gender, Smith emphasized the importance of substance: “We don’t have to press the gender issue. It naturally comes through in our conversations that we are women.”

Running Through It All

Clip: “You ran track… tested my limits.”

Though her schedule is packed, Smith holds on to one personal passion—running. A former LSU track star, she told Runner’s World that running remains her escape.

“Some weeks I run seven days. Some weeks I run zero,” she laughed. “But it’s no longer a chore. It’s a getaway.”

Running, for Smith, is more than fitness—it’s clarity. A time to think, reflect, and reset.

A Voice of Integrity

At a time when journalism is under constant scrutiny, Smith stands firm in her commitment to impartiality.

“My job is to bring out the best in everyone that is sitting on that couch,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “Even if my personal belief is in line with the discussion, you’ll often see me play devil’s advocate just to make sure the other side is represented.”

That commitment was on full display when she challenged former Trump Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany during a segment on QAnon. Smith’s persistence showed she wouldn’t let any guest—regardless of political leaning—sidestep the truth.

Looking Ahead

As for what’s next, Smith has big dreams.

She’s eager to interview global leaders, particularly those shaping policies in the Middle East. “There are immense things happening in the region,” she noted. “I want to get inside their minds.”

From the trading floor in Chicago to the bright lights of Fox News, Sandra Smith’s journey is one of transformation, authenticity, and quiet power. She’s not just reading the headlines—she’s making them.