Market Maker

Markets hit new highs this week, but under the hood, things are anything but settled. Anthony and Piers unpack the Nasdaq’s breakout, Nvidia’s relentless rally, and why a historic rebound might be more than just a bounce.They dig into Trump’s latest attack on Powell and the rise of a “shadow chair” theory already shifting rate expectations—and markets.Plus, why Iran’s missile strike on a U.S. base sent oil crashing, not soaring. From data to geopolitics, this episode filters out the noise and finds the signal.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(01:50) Market Resilience Amidst Turbulence(08:12) Nvidia Back on Top(13:18) Trump's Influence on Monetary Policy(25:18) Geopolitical Tensions and Market Reactions

In this episode, Anthony speaks with Wee Kii Teh, a Portfolio Manager at Allianz Global Investors, about the practical skills and mindset needed to succeed in a competitive finance career.Drawing on experience across credit risk, capital markets, and now impact investing, Wee Kii shares what really sets top interns apart, how to adapt to new roles quickly, and why asking smart questions is more important than knowing all the answers.Whether you’re preparing for an assessment centre, trying to decide between sell-side and buy-side, or figuring out how to navigate workplace culture, this conversation is full of actionable insight.Expect practical tips on upskilling, career transitions, building strong relationships, and finding roles that match your values and ambition.(00:00) Introduction and Career Journey(02:26) Transitioning from STEM to Finance(08:59) Building Confidence and Seeking Mentorship(13:36) Adapting to New Environments and Upskilling(16:33) The Importance of Company Culture(21:21) Internship Insights and Attributes of Top Interns(24:54) Buy-Side vs Sell-Side Experience(27:53) Cultivating Relationships and Mentorship(31:58) Career Priorities and What Changes with Seniority(34:08) Impact Investing and ESG Opportunities(40:02) Advice for Young Professionals

Anthony and Stephen explore how Cursor became the fastest-growing AI startup ever, from MIT roots to “vibe coding” hype and a $20 billion valuation in just 14 months.Then, it’s boardroom drama in Spain as Sabadell spins off TSB to block a hostile takeover from BBVA — a strategic move with big implications for European banking.Finally, Barclays brings in McKinsey to cut costs. What happens when consultants start targeting front-office jobs and what does it signal for banking careers in the age of AI?(00:00) Intro & Topics in Focus(02:40) Cursor and Vibe Coding(18:23) The Spanish Banking Landscape and TSB(30:51) Barclays and the Role of Consultants in Investment Banking

Welcome to Market Maker - the podcast that makes finance interesting and easy to understand for everyone.Hosted by Anthony Cheung, Chief Content & Culture Officer at AmplifyME, each week he and a guest break down what’s really moving markets, from interest rates and tech stocks to global politics and the latest M&A deals.Think of it like the FT... but with fewer buzzwords, more clarity, and a lot less taking ourselves too seriously.For anyone looking to understand markets better, whether for their career, business, or just curiosity — this is your edge.Subscribe now to Market Maker and stay one step ahead.

Markets have stayed calm so far this week, but central banks and geopolitics were anything but. Anthony and Piers break down the Fed’s muted meeting, the revised growth and inflation forecasts, and the hidden signals in the dot plot. Over in the UK, a dovish shift at the Bank of England suggests more cuts are coming despite a steady headline rate.They also unpack rising tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, and what oil markets are really telling us about the risk of escalation.From vote splits to forward guidance, this episode filters the noise to reveal the signals that matter.(00:00) Intro & Topics in Focus(02:03) Fed Hold Rates But Dot Plots Move(17:49) Bank of England's Strategy and Vote Split(27:39) Geopolitical Tensions and Market Reactions

From a $33 billion family tie-up at Toyota to Japan’s 400% surge in M&A activity, Anthony and Stephen break down the latest investment banking scorecard and why dealmakers are suddenly flocking East.They also dig into Disney’s final takeover of Hulu, the $15 billion Meta bet on AI startup Scale, and the fiery rise of Dave’s Hot Chicken, where three friends turned a $900 parking lot pop-up into a billion-dollar brand.Essential listening for anyone tracking global M&A trends, streaming wars, AI arms races and the unexpected lessons of franchise chicken economics.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(02:09) Investment Banking Scorecard Overview(04:09) Japan's M&A Surge: A Deep Dive(10:46) Disney's Strategic Acquisition of Hulu(16:46) Meta's $15 Billion Bet on AI(23:25) The Rise of Dave's Hot Chicken****Check out the AmplifyME Summer Analyst Tradining Programme https://amplifyme.com/summer-analyst-programme

Markets erupted this week as oil spiked 13% overnight following Israeli strikes on Iran. Anthony and Piers unpack what it all means from geopolitical shockwaves to the tactical chaos of trading during breaking news.They also dive into the concept of backwardation and why it's dominated the oil market for years, despite the headlines. Plus, what U.S. inflation data reveals about Trump’s tariff strategy and the real pressure behind his attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell.With the Fed meeting looming, a surging FTSE defying weak UK GDP, and signs of a subtle U.S.–China détente in London, this episode helps you connect the dots in a world full of noise.(00:00) Intro & Key Themes in Focus(02:14) Market Reactions to Geopolitical Events(12:33) Understanding Oil Market Dynamics(17:47) US Inflation Data and Its Implications(25:39) Trump Pressures the Fed to Cut(27:50) US-China Relations and Market Impact(32:45) UK GDP and the Resilience of the FTSE 100

From Wall Street’s wild recruiting arms race to the collapse of KKR’s £4bn Thames Water rescue, Anthony and Stephen unravel the biggest private equity stories shaping markets right now.They unpack why PE firms are hiring grads five years early (and why J.P. Morgan’s furious), the 35% drop in global fundraising, and what it means for the industry’s future. Plus: Salesforce bets $8bn on Informatica in a bold AI data play, and after 717 days of drama, the Telegraph sale finally nears the finish line.Essential listening for anyone navigating the high-stakes world of M&A, private equity power moves, and the politics behind billion-dollar deals.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(01:55) What Makes a Good LBO Candidate(04:54) Recruiting Mania in Private Equity(14:16) KKR and Thames Water Update(21:06) Private Equity Fundraising Trends(30:33) Telegraph Acquisition Insights(34:34) Salesforce's Acquisition of Informatica

Piers Curran returns to break down the macro landscape as we head into the second half of 2025, just in time for interview season. We unpack the three economic pillars: growth, inflation, and interest rates through the lens of Trump’s tariffs, the U.S. deficit crisis, and conflicting market signals. Why are stocks near highs while bond yields and the dollar signal caution? What’s really behind gold and Bitcoin’s surge? And how should you interpret these moves when sitting across from an interviewer? Whether you're prepping for an assessment centre or trying to read the market tea leaves, this episode is your macro cheat sheet.(00:00) Introduction and Overview of Market Trends(03:07) GDP, Inflation, and Interest Rates(06:13) The Impact of US Politics on Markets(08:55) Market Reactions: US yields vs US Dollar(16:33) What On the Radar In The Coming Months(21:28) What Next For Stocks?(25:13) Retail vs Institutional Investors(27:53) Crude Remains Weak While Gold and Bitcoin Rally(31:43) China's Economic Performance and Global Implications

In this episode, Anthony speaks with Sara Ruozzo, whose journey from classical studies in Milan to internships at Microsoft and Tesla, and now working in sustainable investments at UBS, is a masterclass in career pivoting with purpose.If you're a student from a non-finance background or early in your career, wondering how to break into finance (and feel like everyone else already knows the playbook), this one's for you.Sara discusses the real value of a STEM background in the finance industry and why saying yes to new experiences (even when you're unsure) can be the fastest route to finding your edge.Expect jargon-free advice, practical tips on self-teaching, the value of rotations and graduate schemes, and how to build a story that makes employers sit up and listen.(00:00) Introduction and Background(03:01) Career Pivots and Decision-Making Process(05:49) Transitioning into Finance(08:23) Building Confidence and Self-Awareness(11:58) Knowledge Gaps and Learning Strategies(14:53) Soft Skills and Growth Mindset(19:10) Practical Steps to Upskilling(26:24) The Power of Networking(27:28) Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Finance(31:51) Leveraging a STEM Background in Finance(36:36) The Value of Cultural Experiences(43:55) Articulating Your Career Journey(46:56) Practical Tips for STEM Students in Finance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.