Market Maker

It’s the "final battle for the soul of Hollywood." In this breaking episode, we bring back Stephen Barnett to break down the Netflix vs. Paramount war for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).Stephen breaks this deal down like a Hollywood movie script—literally. We cover the Backstory (Zaslav’s failure), the Cast of Characters (from "nepo-baby" David Ellison in his Ferrari to the "anti-hero" David Zaslav), and the Plot Twist where Paramount gets "ghosted" on a Thursday only to launch a hostile counter-attack.We also dive into the "Monopsony" risk that has writers terrified, the "Whirling Dervish" factor of a Trump presidency, and why this deal proves that if you aren't a $500bn tech giant, you're just prey.(00:00) Stephen Barnett Returns(01:59) Battle for the Keys to the Kingdom(04:09) Backstory: Why WBD Ripped 160%(06:12) "Anti-Hero" Zaslav & "Nepo Baby" Ellison(10:30) The Plot: "Begging" Texts & Being Ghosted(16:17) The Role of Bankers(18:47) "Black Box" Fear: Advertisers vs. Netflix(21:30) The Trump Factor in M&A(23:15) Monopoly vs. Monopsony(27:47) Conclusion: Why a Big Tech Win is Scary

In this M&A edition of Market Maker, Anthony and Piers break down Medline’s potential $5 billion IPO, the biggest of the year, and what it signals for private equity exits and the 2026 deals landscape. They also explore Amazon’s bold entry into the AI chip race with Tranium 3, how it stacks up against Nvidia and Google, and what it means for cloud dominance. Plus, OpenAI hits the panic button as Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude rapidly gain ground.(00:00) Medline’s $5B IPO(08:52) ECM Process(12:45) Bank Rankings Shuffle(20:06) Amazon’s AI Chip(28:09) Cloud Wars Heat Up(32:04) OpenAI’s Code Red*****Final chance to join our in-person Finance Bootcamp happening in London 15-19 December 2025. Use code BOOT500 at checkout to access a £500 discount as a loyal podcast fan!

Big tech is stumbling while pharma stocks surge, what does that mean for markets heading into 2026? In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack why Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon are dragging, while Eli Lilly and Merck lead a surprising rotation. They also explore shifting Fed rate cut expectations, conflicting US labor data, and what it all signals for the S&P 500’s next move.We also break down Deutsche Bank’s “triple whammy” dollar call, Trump’s Fed chair pick, and why a yen carry trade unwind could shake crypto markets. Plus, UK PMI surprises and pound strength, are brighter days ahead for the UK economy? Tune in for easy-to-follow macro insights this week!(00:00) Topics & Listener Shoutouts(02:51) Big Tech Wobble, Pharma Surge(09:16) Fed Cut Expectations & Labour Data(18:27) Trump’s Fed Pick & Market Reaction(24:23) Deutsche Bank US Dollar Call(30:07) Yen Carry Trade & Crypto Risk(36:01) UK Budget Bounce & PMI Surprise*****Last chance to join our in-person Finance Bootcamp in London 15-19 December 2025. As part of our podcast community, you can use the code BOOT500 at checkout for a £500 discount.

This week, we're diving into a flurry of major M&A activity from GE’s $2.3B healthcare tech acquisition to Violia’s $3B hazardous waste deal and a massive offshore wind farm stake sale by Denmark’s Ørsted. But the spotlight is on Warner Bros. Discovery, where a high-stakes bidding war is heating up.With Paramount, Netflix, and Comcast all circling, Anthony and Piers unpack why the media giant rejected multiple multi-billion dollar offers and how strategic tension is being used to push up valuations. Is splitting the company more valuable than selling it whole? And what’s the endgame for each suitor?(00:00) Rate Cut Hopes & Market Moves(07:34) M&A Roundup: Paint, Healthcare & Waste(10:27) Wind Power Play: Ørsted & Apollo(12:39) Warner Bros vs Paramount(24:34) Netflix & Comcast Join the Fray(32:00) Who Buys the Crown Jewels

Ever wondered what asset management actually means? In this clip, we sit down with Ben Hayward, CEO and founding partner of TwentyFour Asset Management, to unpack the industry in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to follow. From how investment funds are built to what fund managers actually do all day, Ben explains the difference between active and passive investing, breaks down different asset types like bonds and stocks, and shares why he chose a career in fixed income. Perfect for students and early-career professionals curious about finance, this explanation is your front-row seat to understanding how big money gets managed.Listen to the full conversation for more incredible insights from Ben on the industry, roles and career advice.

This week on the Market Maker podcast, Anthony and Piers spotlight Goldman Sachs' standout year in M&A, exploring how the bank has pulled ahead of rivals with a $1.3 trillion deal volume and a 34% market share. They break down the strategy behind Goldman's dominance, from boardroom relationships to sector expertise. The episode also dives into the $25 billion all-stock "merger of equals" between AkzoNobel and Axalta, examining the rationale, synergies, and why the same deal failed back in 2017. Other stories include Apollo's failed Papa John's bid, Adobe’s acquisition of Semrush, Total Energies’ $6 billion European power play, and WPP's fall from grace amid takeover chatter and consolidation in the media space.*****Join a free M&A Finance Accelerator simulation

In this week’s Market Maker from AmplifyME, Anthony and Piers unpack Nvidia’s blockbuster earnings and what they signal for markets heading into year-end. Is the company’s explosive growth sustainable, or are signs of overextension starting to show?They explore concentration risks, energy bottlenecks, and the AI infrastructure race, while also connecting the dots between macro sentiment, crypto market stress, and Saudi-US investment flows. A comprehensive take on one of the most pivotal moments in the market this quarter.(00:00) Nvidia’s Record-Breaking Quarter(06:16) Concentration Risk in Focus(10:31) Is AI Overheating?(17:14) Saudi’s $1 Trillion Move(26:05) Sentiment Shift or Recovery?(32:20) Crypto Cracks and Correlations*****If you're a student exploring a career in finance, check out our in-person Finance Bootcamp happening in London, 15-19th December 2025

Are you a student or early-career professional trying to decide between a bulge bracket or boutique investment bank? In this episode of the AmplifyMe Market Maker podcast, Anthony Cheung and Silvia Magni break down what really sets these firms apart, from business models and deal flow to team structure and day-to-day responsibilities.They also explore how each path impacts your training, career development, and how to tailor your interview approach. Whether you're drawn to the global reach of a bulge bracket or the hands-on experience of a boutique, this episode helps you choose the right fit and position yourself for success.(00:00) Intro & Episode Overview(01:42) Defining Bulge Brackets vs. Boutiques(03:48) Business Models & Services(06:59) Deal Flow Differences(09:21) Team Structure & Responsibility(11:30) Culture & Career Development(15:08) Interview Tips & Final Thoughts(17:20) Conclusion*****Take a free M&A Finance Accelerator simulation Join our in-person 5-day Finance Bootcamp in London, 15-19 December 2025

Inside the Biggest M&A Deals You Need to Know (Pfizer, LVMH, Atlético Madrid, Parker Hannifin)In this week’s M&A episode of AmplifyME Market Maker, Anthony and Piers break down the biggest deal headlines from Apollo taking control of Atlético Madrid to LVMH’s stake in Swiss movement maker Le Joux-Perret, Parker Hannifin’s $9.25 billion filtration acquisition, and Burger King’s China JV. The deep dive focuses on Pfizer’s $10 billion battle with Novo Nordisk for Metsera, unpacking the bidding war, regulatory tensions, the strategic race for obesity drugs, and why contingent value rights (CVRs) make this deal so unusual.(00:00) Atlético Madrid, LVMH & Parker Hannifin(03:55) Pfizer vs Novo Nordisk for Metsera(05:10) How the Bidding War Escalated to $10B(12:27) Contingent Value Right(18:10) Key Deal Takeaways*****Take part in a free M&A Finance Accelerator simulationJoin our in-person Finance Bootcamp in London, 15-19 December 2025

This week on the AmplifyME Market Maker podcast, we break down three major market stories: Trump ends the longest US government shutdown, but markets are already bracing for another fiscal cliff in January; oil drops sharply as Saudi ramps supply ahead of a high-stakes meeting with Trump in Washington; and we unpack Goldman Sachs’ latest view on whether the AI boom is a bubble or the start of a multi-trillion-dollar investment cycle.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(02:10) US Government Shutdown Ends(08:40) SNAP, ACA & Sector Impacts(12:20) Airlines & Thanksgiving Travel(14:20) Oil Drops 4%: Supply Glut(19:05) Saudi Strategy & Trump Meeting(22:09) AI Demand vs Energy Glut(24:30) Are We in an AI Bubble?(26:25) Private vs Public AI Valuations(29:00) Data Centre Capex Boom(33:22) Where Value Sits in the AI Stack(34:31) Gary Marcus & AI Limits(37:49) Bubble or Not? Final Take******Join our in-person Finance Bootcamp in London, 15-19 December 2025

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

In this episode of Market Maker, Anthony and Piers unpack why the pound has dropped to a seven-month low following Rachel Reeves' rare pre-budget comments, and what it signals for UK markets. They explore London’s rise as a global quant hub, attracting top STEM talent and reshaping finance. Plus, they break down the $49 billion Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue merger, why markets hate it, and what it means for deal-making today.(00:00) Welcome & Pound Drop(04:30) UK Fiscal Shift(18:43) Quant Boom in London(30:33) Big Tech vs Quants(36:50) $49B M&A Deal*****Check out the AmplifyME in-person Finance Bootcamp happening in London, 15-19 December 2025.Use the Code BOOT150 at checkout for a £150 discount.

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 on Market Maker, we unpack three big themes moving markets. Nvidia briefly hit a $5 trillion valuation before a Trump–Xi meeting wiped billions off the stock. We explain what happened and what it reveals about AI hype and geopolitics.We then break down big tech earnings: Alphabet soared while Meta slumped, despite similar numbers. Is “BATMMAAN” the new “Magnificent 7”? And finally, the Fed cut rates—but Powell’s fog analogy hints at rising uncertainty ahead.Whether you’re a student, prepping for interviews, or just want clear market insights, we’ve got you covered.(00:00) Themes in Focus This Week(03:46) Nvidia hits $5T: AI chips, hype & order book(09:17) Trump–Xi meeting fallout: Nvidia crashes(22:00) Alphabet soars, Meta slumps — why?(30:11) Amazon & Apple: AI, retail, and holiday signals(37:40) Meta’s spending problem + the new AI chapter(49:37) Fed cuts rates: Powell’s “fog” warningSubscribe to the daily Market Maker newsletter

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

With a rate cut from the US central bank now almost guaranteed, we break down what it actually means and why the Fed is also quietly ending its multi-billion-dollar balance sheet tightening.Meanwhile, Wall Street's heavyweights, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and BlackRock just posted monster earnings. We unpack why deal-making is back, what Jamie Dimon's "cockroach" comment means for private credit, and how Morgan Stanley reclaimed its equity throne.Finally, silver? It just hit a 45-year high, driven by a short squeeze that’s forcing traders to fly silver bars across the Atlantic. Literally.From central bank policy to commodity chaos this is your one-stop weekly debrief to make sure you're on top of all things markets.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(04:25) Fed Cut Locked & Loaded(09:12) Understanding QE & QT(21:12) Wall Street's big comeback(23:09) J.P. Morgan Credit Problem(27:56) Private Credit Warning(32:26) Morgan Stanley's Stellar Performance(37:01) Goldman's Huge Quarter(40:06) GS Job Cuts Amid AI Adoption(43:27) BlackRock's £13.5trl Boom(47:12) Silver Gets Short Squeezed*****Find out more about our work in attraction, training and assessments via world-leading simulation technology www.amplifyme.comStudent interested in Global Markets? Try our free Finance Accelerator simulationWant to train with Anthony and the team in London this December? Check out the Finance Bootcamp

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.