Market Maker

Thinking about a career in finance and want to build confidence in your market views? In this episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by Mike Bell, a former J.P. Morgan macro strategist, to break down how to think clearly about the economy, communicate under pressure, and make your ideas land.Mike explains how to navigate the business cycle, what really matters when forming a macro view, and how to present with clarity - whether it's to clients, in interviews, or on live TV. If you want to sharpen your market thinking and sound confident doing it, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right away.(00:00) Intro to Mike Bell(03:06) Politics Meets Economics(07:41) Business Cycle Basics(13:05) Inflation and Recession(17:39) Tech Shocks & AI(22:36) Models vs. Discretion(31:15) Learning Public Speaking(35:28) Preparing for Pressure(51:25) Posting on LinkedIn

The pound has hit a seven-month low, raising questions about the UK's economic direction after pre-budget comments from Rachel Reeves. London’s ascendance as a quant finance hub is explored, spotlighting the influx of top talent and innovative strategies. The $49 billion merger between Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue faces skepticism from the market due to concerns about performance and integration. The hosts break down the deal's mechanics and what it means for future M&A activity, revealing the complexities behind big financial transactions.

What does bravery look like in the world of finance? Terri Duhon, Wall Street trader turned board director, TEDx speaker, and award-winning educator, shares her remarkable journey from rural Louisiana to MIT, J.P. Morgan, and the boardrooms of Morgan Stanley International and rising fintech firm Wise.In this inspiring episode of the Market Maker Podcast mini-series spotlighting women in finance, Terri talks about the power of dreaming big, why financial literacy is essential for independence, and how being brave, not perfect, can change everything. She also explores the myths around women and numbers, the reality of imposter syndrome, and the critical role community plays in building confidence.If you’ve ever doubted your path or felt like you didn’t belong, Terri’s story will remind you that you’re not alone and that you absolutely belong.(00:00) Introduction & Guest Background(00:52) Growing Up in Louisiana(04:10) Imposter Syndrome & MIT(08:28) Lessons from the Trading Floor(13:07) Leaving Wall Street(16:39) Bravery Over Perfection(19:54) Women and Self-Selection(25:58) Financial Independence(30:00) Building Confidence(33:25) Changing Role Models(36:31) Final Message

This week, Nvidia's brief surge to a $5 trillion valuation meets a sudden crash after a Trump-Xi meeting stirs geopolitical tensions. With Alphabet smashing earnings expectations while Meta falters, discussions emerge around the dynamics of a new 'BATMMAAN' versus the classic 'Magnificent 7.' Meanwhile, the Fed cuts rates but signals uncertainty, as Powell's 'fog' analogy complicates the economic outlook. From AI hype to big tech's performance, the insights are both timely and essential for understanding the market landscape.

In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung is joined by Joe Little, Global Chief Strategist at HSBC Asset Management, to explore the personal journey and professional insights behind one of the top roles in finance.From discovering economics by chance to immersing himself in investment classics and landing a role at J.P. Morgan, Joe shares how curiosity and persistence shaped his career path.He also breaks down the real-world role of a Chief Strategist, explains why clear communication and storytelling are powerful tools in markets, and shares why early mentorship can shape your entire career.Whether you're a student exploring your options or an early-career professional finding your feet, this episode offers inspiration, practical advice, and honest insight into what it takes to thrive in finance.(00:00) Intro(00:56) Joe’s unlikely start(02:20) Discovering economics(06:43) Importance of mentors(12:27) What a strategist does(20:28) Power of storytelling(28:05) Nature or nurture?(32:08) Performing under pressure(34:41) Working across cultures(39:51) Life on the road(42:37) Mindset for success

In this episode, Anthony speaks with Kate Hill, Global Head of Trading at Aviva Investors, about her three-decade career spanning Citi, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, and Aviva.Kate shares what it was like stepping onto the trading floor for the first time, how major market events shaped her path, and the cultural differences she experienced across leading global institutions. She also reflects on transitioning into leadership, balancing personal challenges with career decisions, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.It’s a candid conversation packed with advice for students and early-career professionals - from resilience and adaptability to the skills that will define the future of trading as technology transforms finance.(00:00) Trading Intro & Career Journey(02:57) First Impressions on the Floor(07:23) Intersection of Markets & Politics(08:48) Key Market Events & Decisions(11:47) Reality of Dynamic Markets(13:14) The Value of Experience(19:25) Cultural Differences in Finance(22:43) Moving into Leadership(26:53) Personal Challenges & Career Choices(34:46) Asset Management vs Sell-Side(37:00) Advice for Aspiring Professionals(41:15) Future of Trading & Tech

The impending Fed rate cut is set to shake up the markets, signaling a shift in the economic landscape. Major Wall Street players are celebrating record earnings, with deal-making making a comeback. Jamie Dimon's intriguing 'cockroach' comment raises concerns in private credit markets. Meanwhile, silver skyrockets to a 45-year high due to a dramatic short squeeze, leading to traders flying silver bars across the Atlantic. Tune in for a lively discussion on these pivotal market movements and more!

In this episode, Anthony is joined by Marc Bergeron, a veteran of nearly four decades in finance, from bond trading in the '80s to co-founding his own firm and now championing mentorship at Orchard Global, a leading alternative investment manager. Marc shares real stories about navigating market crashes, learning the hard way about soft skills, and why adaptability and resilience are make-or-break traits in today’s finance world. Whether you're a student wondering where to start or a young professional trying to find your edge, Marc's journey offers invaluable insights (and a few hard-won lessons) to help you grow and thrive in the industry.(00:00) Intro & Guest Intro(01:31) From Engineering to Finance(03:39) Life on the ’80s Trading Floor(07:33) Starting a Finance Firm (14:54) Entrepreneurial Mindset(14:29) Soft Skills in Finance(17:10) Resilience & Adaptability(24:06) Mentoring & Continuous Learning(31:17) Organisational Resilience(34:06) Biggest Lessons & Regrets(38:22) One Book You Should Read(42:00) Final Thoughts & Warwick Event*****Register for the EVENT on campus at the University of Warwick on Thursday, 29th October (6-8pm).

In this Career Insight episode, Anthony Cheung speaks with Ben Hayward, co-founder and CEO of TwentyFour Asset Management, about his unexpected journey into finance. From studying history of art and pursuing advertising to launching a fixed-income boutique in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis, Ben shares invaluable lessons in career adaptability, leadership, and resilience.Whether you're a student eyeing your first internship or a young professional navigating your next move, this conversation offers practical advice on breaking into finance, understanding complex credit products, and thriving in asset management. Learn how to simplify financial storytelling, build confidence under pressure, and shape company culture from the top down.(00:00) Intro to Ben Hayward & 24AM(04:42) From Art to Finance(08:07) Starting Out at Citi(13:03) Becoming an Entrepreneur(19:23) Managing Stress & Resilience(25:40) Building Culture at 24AM(34:10) The power of storytelling(43:27) Asset Management Explained(47:35) What makes Fixed Income Unique(52:16) Advice on Confidence & Resilience(56:24) Career Tips for SuccessFind out more about TwentyFour Asset Management

In this episode of the Market Maker podcast, we dive into the largest leveraged buyout in history - Electronic Arts going private in a $55 billion all-cash deal led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. What does this blockbuster transaction say about the future of gaming, geopolitics, and private capital?We also unpack Jefferies’ record-breaking Q3 performance as dealmaking makes a comeback. Is this a lead indicator for bulge bracket banks like Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan?Finally, we look at why London has dropped out of the top 20 global IPO markets for the first time in decades. With capital increasingly flowing to the US, what can the UK do to reclaim its financial edge?From LBO mechanics and corporate strategy misfires to the intersection of AI, finance, and global power plays, this is an episode packed with insight for anyone tracking markets, banking, and business strategy.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(02:25) US Gov Shutdown & Market Impact(09:26) Coca-Cola's Costa Coffee Misstep(14:02) Biggest Leverage Buyout Ever(19:33) Saudi's Gaming Investment Strategy(27:16) EA Deal Breakdown(31:44) Strategic Themes in EA Deal(34:49) Jeffries' Record & Insights(39:14) London's IPO Market Decline(44:24) Fixing London's Financial Scene****Take part in a free Markets Finance Accelerator Simulation Find out more about AmplifyME and our work in attraction, training and assessments for leading financial and academic institutions all over the world.