

Market Maker
AmplifyME
The AmplifyME Market Maker Podcast makes finance fun and easy to understand. Hosted by LinkedIn Top Voice Anthony Cheung and trader-turned-founder Piers Curran, each week they break down the biggest market stories and trends shaping the global economy. Get real insight, boost your commercial awareness, and learn how markets really work, with top guests from leading banks, hedge funds, and asset managers sharing their career journeys and invaluable advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 11, 2024 • 38min
The Trading Floor: Germany, the "Sick Man" of Europe
In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the latest US CPI data and its implications for the Fed's interest rate strategy. But that's not all, Germany’s economy is in the spotlight as they explore recession warnings, government forecasts, and what this all means for the Eurozone.They also dive into the growing divide between US and European monetary policies, dissecting the ECB's next move as it grapples with Germany's economic woes. Tune in for a dynamic take on how these global shifts could reshape the markets. Perfect for any interview prep!(01:58) Introduction to episode(04:22) Latest US CPI report explained(09:36) US Jobless Claims spike higher(11:53) Is the US labour market as strong as NFP suggests(15:46) Markets reaction and Fed expectations(17:15) Why is Germany struggling so much?(28:15) US vs EU policy divergence(31:41) What are options markets signalling?(37:30) Ant is going to shave his head LIVE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2024 • 55min
How to Stand Out in Finance Job Applications: Advice from Asset Management Director
**This conversation was recorded LIVE on the AmplifyME LinkedIn page**In this conversation, Ben Arnold an investment director at Schroders, shares his extensive experience in the finance industry, discussing the intricacies of the application process for internships and graduate roles. He emphasises the importance of quality over quantity in applications, effective research strategies, and the necessity of tailoring resumes. The discussion also covers the significance of collaboration, the role of qualifications like the CFA, and managing expectations in a competitive job market. A must-listen for those currently in the application process!(01:57) Introduction and Backgrounds(06:35) Navigating the Application Process(11:33) Understanding Wealth vs. Investment Management(17:29) Crafting Quality Applications(21:47) How to approach online tests(25:17) The Importance of Collaboration(27:54) Assessment Centre Insights(31:10) Is the CFA worth doing?(34:23) The Role of Qualifications in Career Advancement(38:56) Tips for HireVue(41:25) Managing Expectations and Career Paths(44:12) Transferring Skills from Sports to Finance(47:05) Dealing with pressure(49:05) Advice on career switching in early careers(50:56) Behaviour is paramount at all times(53:20) The ONE trait that stands out in applications Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 2024 • 39min
The Deal Room: Mastering Investment Banking (IBD) Jargon for Interviews
In this episode, Anthony and Stephen delve into the complexities of investment banking jargon, breaking down essential terms like EBITDA, leverage, DCF, and synergies. They discuss the importance of understanding these concepts for interviews and practical applications in M&A strategies.The conversation also covers the distinctions between bulge bracket and boutique banks, as well as the roles of sector coverage and product specialists in the industry.This is a perfect conversation for anyone contemplating a future career in banking!(02:02) Introduction to IBD Jargon(04:38) Understanding EBITDA(10:39) Exploring Leverage(13:50) Decoding DCF(21:13) The Concept of Synergies(23:35) M&A Strategies: Vertical vs Horizontal(26:48) Accretion vs Dilution in M&A(31:17) Bulge Bracket vs Boutique Banks(36:56) Sector Coverage vs Product Specialists*****Want to explore a career in M&A? Try our Banking Finance Accelerator in partnership with UBS www.amplifyme.com/mafa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 4, 2024 • 16min
BREAKING NEWS: US Non-Farm Payrolls comes in HOT!
In this special episode, join Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran as they break down the latest US labor report in real-time.Get insights into the instant market reaction and what this means for the Federal Reserve and the broader political landscape.With the economic data smashing expectations, this is crucial information for both investors and students prepping for finance interviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 2024 • 35min
The Deal Room: Bumper M&A Special (UniCredit, Intel, Rightmove)
In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnet discuss the latest developments in M&A speculation, focusing on Unicredit's acquisition attempts of Commerzbank, Qualcomm's interest in Intel, and the ongoing saga of Rightmove's acquisition. They delve into the complexities of these transactions, the political implications, and the strategic rationale behind them, providing insights into the world of investment banking and M&A.(02:03) Introduction to M&A Speculation(03:17) Unicredit's Stake in Commerzbank(07:30) Politics in M&A(11:22) The Mechanics of the Deal(24:28) Qualcomm's Interest in Intel(29:41) Rightmove's Acquisition Saga Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 27, 2024 • 38min
The Trading Floor: China's Economic Revival & Saudi's Shift in Oil Strategy
In this conversation, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran discuss significant global economic events, focusing on China's recent stimulus measures aimed at revitalising its struggling economy and Saudi Arabia's shift away from its $100 oil price target. They explore the implications of these developments for global markets, interest rates, and economic sentiment, emphasising the interconnectedness of these issues in the broader context of the global economy.(2:09) Community shout outs(4:54) Themes this week(5:52) Why China have acted now(9:48) Chinese stocks reaction(12:45) PBOC Rate cut(16:18) Stock market intervention(20:07) Government rescue(22:31) Saudi drop price target(28:29) Why Saudi needs high oil prices(34:10) Lessons from history(38:26) Implications for a soft landing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 23, 2024 • 32min
The Deal Room: 5 M&A Trends For Your Investment Bank Interview
In this episode, Anthony and Stephen discuss the current state of the M&A market, highlighting key trends, the impact of interest rates, and the dynamics of private equity. They explore the resurgence of mega deals, particularly in the energy and technology sectors, and address the realities of working in investment banking, including long hours and managing expectations for aspiring professionals.(02:13) Introduction(04:41) Current State of the M&A Market(09:41) Interest Rates and Their Impact on M&A(14:00) Corporate vs Sponsor M&A (Private Equity) (19:20) The Rise of Mega Deals in Energy and Tech(22:36) Managing Expectations in Investment Banking Careers*****Experience finance now with the AmplifyME M&A Finance Accelerator simulation in partnership with UBS www.amplifyme.com/mafa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 2024 • 23min
The Trading Floor: The Fed's Bold Strategy
In this podcast episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran discuss the recent interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, analysing market reactions and implications for investors. They delve into the significance of the Fed's bold 50 basis point cut, the contrasting approaches of the two central banks, and the impact of labour market dynamics, particularly in relation to migration.This is a must-listen for any investor or student preparing for interviews in the current application cycle!(02:01) Market Reactions to Central Bank Decisions(04:08) The Fed's Bold Rate Cut(06:45) Market reaction(09:07) Fed's latest dot-plot projections(13:24) Bank of England hold but signal cuts(17:51) Labour Market Dynamics and Migration20:43 Tech Sector Performance and Market Trends Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 33min
9 Offers, 1 Strategy: Mastering Finance Internship Applications
The internship application season is in full swing, and while it’s an exciting time, it can also be incredibly stressful. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!In this episode, I'm joined by special guest Favour Oluwanusin, a university student who recently went viral for sharing an in-depth guide on how he secured an astonishing 9 Spring Week offers. Together, we break down the key steps to take your application to the next level.Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn:(02:13) Navigating the Application Process(04:38) The Importance of Timely Applications(06:02) Understanding A-Level Grades and Work Experience(07:07) Non-financial degrees: Do they stand a chance?(12:12) Cover Letters: To Submit or Not?(15:43) Quality vs. Quantity in Applications(21:09) Becoming financially fluent(23:59) Is it harder to get a summer than a Spring Week(26:04) Why make an application guide(28:57) Overcoming Imposter SyndromeThis episode is essential listening to boost your chances of landing that internship.Tune in and get ahead of the competition!****Access Favours application guide > https://lyrical-twig-2ac.notion.site/I-Got-Nine-Spring-Week-Internship-Offers-Here-s-How-You-Can-Too-ab6d515020dc4a14818c6f6cc2e827b8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 12, 2024 • 42min
The Trading Floor: 50 bps Fed Cut Now 'Off the Table'
In this episode, I’m joined by co-founder Piers Curran to dive into three major talking points in global markets this week.Here’s what we cover:The odds of a 50 bps rate cut from the Fed have dramatically reduced following the latest US CPI report.Trump trades lose steam as Harris wins their first encounter.Goldman Sachs prepares to post a $400 million hit to Q3 results as it unwinds its consumer business.This is the perfect episode to help you unpack the news that matters in a clear and easy-to-understand way, essential listening for any student preparing for the application process!02:09 Market Overview and Key Topics03:14 US CPI Report Analysis11:22 Market Reactions and Stock Movements16:03 Commodities and Inflation Outlook19:58 Market Participants and Career Insights22:09 Value investors and rate expectations24:30 Trump vs Harris26:54 Swiftomonics 29:10 Market implications of the US election33:28 Goldman Sachs the bearer of bad news39:30 M&A offsets trading at GS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


