Market Maker

Afleveringen

• The SpaceX IPO Explained | The Complete Deep Dive 01.06.2026 1u 1min

  In this episode of The Market Maker Podcast, we break down everything you need to know about Elon Musk’s $2 trillion SpaceX empire, the IPO frenzy surrounding the deal, and whether this is the investment opportunity of a generation or the biggest bubble on Wall Street.We analyse the real numbers behind Starlink, XAI, rockets, satellites, AI infrastructure, and the hidden strategy driving Musk’s masterplan.If there’s one video to watch before the SpaceX IPO launches, this is it.(00:00) SpaceX Deep Dive Intro(01:22) Biggest IPO Ever?(05:39) The $2 Trillion Valuation(10:45) Why IPO Now?(13:40) Inside The Prospectus(15:22) Breaking Down The Business(18:46) The AI Infrastructure Bet(27:33) The Space Industry Boom(32:44) Elon Musk’s Control(37:26) Wall Street’s IPO Battle(44:29) Retail Investor Frenzy(49:51) How To Invest In SpaceX(53:15) Why Indexes Changed The Rules
• How Banks Make Billions From Market Volatility 28.05.2026 52min

  Oil is surging toward $100. Inflation fears are back. The Middle East remains highly unstable. Yet Wall Street trading desks are making record billions and major banks are raising their S&P 500 targets above 8,000.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down how geopolitical volatility is creating huge profits for banks like J.P. Morgan and Bank of America through market making, flow trading and hedging strategies.They also explore whether the AI rally is becoming another dot-com bubble, why semiconductor stocks continue to explode higher and why firms like NVIDIA, Micron and Anthropic are now at the centre of global markets.The conversation covers oil markets, inflation, Fed policy, AI infrastructure spending, hedge fund trading mechanics, risk management and the future of the AI supercycle, explained in a way that is accessible for students, investors and anyone interested in financial markets.The episode also finishes with practical recommendations for free macro and finance resources to help students improve commercial awareness and stay ahead of market trends.(00:00) Oil, Iran & Market Chaos(05:40) Inflation, Rates & The Fed(08:07) Why Wall Street Is Printing Money(13:00) Flow Trading Explained(18:50) How Banks Hedge Risk(23:15) Jane Street & Quant Trading(31:13) Why Stocks Keep Rising(32:20) AI Bubble or Supercycle?(37:56) The Most Important AI Company(40:10) SpaceX’s $28 Trillion Bet(44:19) Goldman’s 8,000 S&P Call(47:10) Best Free Macro Resources*****Free daily Market Maker newsletterConnect with Anthony on LinkedIn
• Student to Corporate Finance Analyst: Networking & Career Advice That Works 27.05.2026 33min

  Most students know they need to “network” to break into finance. Very few are told how to actually do it properly.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung sits down with corporate finance analyst Liam Edward Proctor to break down how students can build relationships, stand out in applications and navigate finance careers without coming from a traditional background.Liam shares how he went from a non-target university into corporate finance, common networking mistakes students make, how to approach coffee chats, LinkedIn strategies that actually work and why commercial awareness matters more than ever in today’s graduate market.The conversation also explores rejection, imposter syndrome and how students can create opportunities beyond simply submitting online applications.If you’re applying for internships, spring weeks or graduate roles in finance, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.(00:00) Liam’s Finance Journey(01:59) Do You Need Internships?(04:33) What vs Who You Know(06:48) Coffee Chat Preparation(08:34) Building Commercial Awareness(13:29) Leveraging LinkedIn & Imposter Syndrome(16:55) Meeting Howard Marks(22:00) Handling Rejection(26:39) Non-Target University Advice(30:08) Networking Follow-Up Tips
• Inside the Biggest M&A Deals You Need to Know (NextEra, Dominion, Magnum Ice Cream, UK Takeovers Up 250%) 25.05.2026 42min

  In this episode, we break down a surge in global dealmaking, from a $67 billion mega-merger in US utilities to private equity circling Magnum Ice Cream, and why UK takeovers are suddenly booming despite negative headlines.We explain how AI demand is reshaping entire industries, especially energy, infrastructure, and data centres, and why that’s triggering a new wave of consolidation. You’ll also learn how deals are actually financed, using a real-world bond issuance example to connect the dots between M&A and capital markets.And to finish, we look at one of the wildest stories in markets right now: a TikToker trying to raise money to buy a bankrupt airline… and somehow getting hundreds of millions pledged.If you’re looking to break into finance or want to better understand how deals really work, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the mechanics, strategy, and trends shaping today’s M&A landscape.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(01:57) $67BN NextEra AI Power Deal(04:09) Credit Ratings & Deal Strategy(13:27) Deals Flow Despite Macro Headwinds(14:21) Magnum & Private Equity(18:12) How Deals Get Financed(26:20) Where M&A and DCM Meet(29:07) UK Takeover Boom(35:57) TikToker Buys an Airline?*****Take a free M&A Finance Accelerator simulationJoin the AmplifyME Summer Analyst Training Programme
• AI vs Macro: What’s Really Driving the Market Rally? 22.05.2026 39min

  Markets are ripping higher, but why? In this episode, we break down the relentless rally in US equities and why the AI boom is overpowering inflation fears, geopolitics, and rising yields.We explain what’s really driving the S&P 500, why market breadth is narrowing, and whether this rally is starting to look fragile. Then we dive into the IPO frenzy around SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic and what it means for investors and liquidity.Finally, we simplify Nvidia’s latest earnings and its next-gen “Vera Rubin” system, explaining why this could be the backbone of the future AI economy.(00:00) What’s Driving the Market Rally?(05:00) AI vs Macro: Why Markets Don’t Care(08:12) Is This Rally Running Out of Steam?(15:18) SpaceX IPO & AI Hype Explained(26:13) Nvidia Earnings & The Future of AI_____AmplifyME 2026 Summer Analyst Training Programme (Virtual) AmplifyME 2026 Finance Bootcamp (In-Person)
• Anthropic $900B, BuzzBallz Boom & Private Credit Warning Signs 18.05.2026 38min

  In this week’s episode, we break down one of the wildest stories in AI right now, Anthropic’s eye-watering $900 billion valuation, and ask whether fundamentals still matter in a market driven by momentum and FOMO. We also dive into the surprising shift in global drinking habits, why giants like Diageo are struggling, and how viral products like BuzzBallz are reshaping the alcohol industry.Finally, we revisit the private credit boom and explore whether cracks are starting to show, as banks step back in and investor sentiment begins to turn.Let us know your thoughts in the comments - where do you think Anthropic’s valuation lands by the end of 2026?(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(02:04) Anthropic's $900B Valuation?!(12:50) No One’s Drinking? BuzzBallz Boom(30:37) Private Credit Cracks Showing?
• How to Stand Out in Finance in the Age of AI (Students Must Watch) 14.05.2026 49min

  In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung sits down with Ignacio Ramirez Moreno, fixed income advisor, CFA Charterholder, LinkedIn creator, and host of The Blunt Dollar podcast.They discuss how to stand out in finance in the age of AI, Bloomberg Terminal tips and hidden functions, why curiosity matters more than technical skills, and how to build a personal brand on LinkedIn.Ignacio also shares CFA advice for students and professionals, the daily habits and mindset of successful finance professionals, how to turn market news into valuable insights, and career lessons learned from interviewing top finance leaders.Whether you're a student, graduate, analyst, or already working in finance, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.(00:00) Intro(02:00) Turning market news into insights(05:35) Bloomberg Terminal functions every finance student should know(09:50) How to post consistently on LinkedIn(13:18) High-decay vs low-decay content(16:05) The Blunt Dollar podcast & career lessons(20:37) Why curiosity matters in finance(23:36) AI and the future of finance careers(28:35) CFA advice for students & professionals(34:31) What a fixed income advisor actually does(41:30) Career advice nobody teaches at university(45:42) The importance of relationships in finance
• GameStop’s $55BN eBay Bid, Europe’s Banking War & Eli Lilly’s Trillion-Dollar 11.05.2026 51min

  This week on the Market Maker deals show, Anthony and Stephen break down the biggest corporate finance stories moving global markets. They unpack UniCredit’s hostile takeover battle for Commerzbank and why CEO Andrea Orcel is being labelled “The Shark” as European banking consolidation heats up again. They also dive into GameStop’s shocking $55bn bid for eBay, Ryan Cohen’s chaotic CNBC interview, and the mechanics behind meme-stock dealmaking. Finally, they explore how Eli Lilly became one of the world’s most valuable companies, why it just raised $9bn in bonds, and how pharmaceutical giants use acquisitions to defend their blockbuster drug pipelines.Whether you're aiming for banking, asset management, accounting, private equity, or advisory, this is essential insight to stay ahead of the curve.(00:00) Intro & Researcher Opportunity(03:04) UniCredit vs Commerzbank(18:50) GameStop’s $55BN Bid for eBay(32:18) Eli Lilly’s $9BN Bond Raise & M&A StrategyConnect with Anthony on LinkedIn Watch the CNBC interview with GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen
• The 5% Yield Warning: What Bond Markets Are Telling Us 08.05.2026 32min

  Bond yields are surging, with the US 30-year pushing 5% and UK yields near multi-decade highs but why does it matter?In this episode of the AmplifyME Market Maker Podcast, we explain how rising yields impact your mortgage, stock valuations, and the global economy. From the “risk-free rate” to inflation expectations and central bank policy, we break down the key drivers behind one of the most important forces in markets right now.Despite booming stock markets, bond markets are signalling risk. The question is: who’s right?(00:00) Why Bond Yields Matter(03:00) The 5% Yield Level(06:06) Impact on Mortgages(07:48) Risk-Free Rate Explained(12:27) Stocks vs Bonds Disconnect(14:38) Inflation Expectations(16:58) Trading Opportunities(23:35) Stocks Rip Higher(25:36) S&P Earnings Growth(26:43) UK Political Risk
• Private Credit Explained: Why It’s Booming (And What Could Go Wrong) 06.05.2026 19min

  Private credit is one of the fastest-growing areas in global finance but what actually is it, and why is everyone talking about it?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down private credit in simple terms: how it works, why it’s grown into a $3 trillion market, and the key players driving it, including Blackstone and Blue Owl.We also go deeper into:Why private credit exploded after the 2008 financial crisisHow it differs from traditional bank lending and public debtWhat a Business Development Company (BDC) isWhy institutional investors are pouring money into itThe risks, defaults, and whether this could become a systemic issuePrivate credit offers higher returns than traditional debt but with that comes important trade-offs around liquidity, transparency, and risk. We explore whether the concerns you’re seeing in the media are justified or overblown.If you’ve seen headlines about private credit and want a clear, no-nonsense explanation, this episode is for you.⏱️ Timestamps:(00:00) What is private credit?(00:58) How it works (simple explanation)(03:19) Why it’s grown so fast(05:48) Inside Blackstone Strategy(11:05) Blue Owl & BDCs explained(15:31) The risks & “financial crisis” debate📩 Got questions? Drop them in the comments, we’ll be jumping in to answer.
• IPO Market Update 2026: Why Asia Is Winning & UK IPOs Are Struggling 04.05.2026 37min

  This week, we unpack what’s really happening in IPO markets.From a Hong Kong listing surging nearly 400%, to breaking down how IPOs actually work (including the “green shoe” mechanism), to Revolut’s long-term IPO ambitions — and why UK listings like RAC are being delayed.If you’re trying to understand how companies go public and what’s driving today’s market, this is a simple, real-world walkthrough.(00:00) IPO market overview(02:41) Hong Kong’s IPO surge(12:05) How IPOs work (green shoe explained)(20:58) Revolut & fintech vs banks(29:01) UK IPO struggles & RAC delay*****Subscribe to the daily Market Maker newsletterTake a free Finance Accelerator simulationCheck out more about simulations for attraction, training and assessment at www.amplifyme.com
• Fed Split, Oil Surge & AI War: Why Markets Are On Edge Right Now 30.04.2026 46min

  What’s driving markets right now? In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the Fed’s policy split, oil prices surging above $120, and the growing risk of stagflation. We also analyse Big Tech earnings, why Google outperformed Meta, and the escalating AI battle between OpenAI, Anthropic, and major tech giants. If you want clear insights on markets, inflation, and where things are heading next, this episode has you covered.(00:00) Intro & Market Overview(01:52) Fed Decision & Rate Outlook(11:29) Oil Surge & Geopolitics(19:19) OPEC, UAE & Supply Dynamics(25:14) Big Tech Earnings Breakdown(33:39) AI Race & OpenAI ConcernsFind out more about our role-specific simulations for attraction, training and assessment in early careers in finance at www.amplifyme.com
• AI Breakthrough or Hype? Anthropic’s Claude Mythos, Tim Cook Steps Down & LIV Golf Collapse 27.04.2026 35min

  What happens when an AI model is considered too powerful to release?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we unpack one of the most bizarre and important stories in tech right now, as Anthropic’s Mythos model sparks debate about whether AI companies are building the future or just mastering the art of hype. From a strange moment involving an AI sending emails while its creator was eating a sandwich, to the wider implications for cybersecurity and global power, this story raises bigger questions than it answers.We also explore the potential collapse of LIV Golf after billions in Saudi investment and what it tells us about the limits of capital when strategy doesn’t deliver results. Finally, we break down the news that Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down after 15 years, what his legacy really is, and what the shift to a product-focused successor could mean for the next era of the world’s most valuable company.If you want to understand the stories moving markets without the noise, this is the place.(00:00) Intro & Topics in Focus(02:27) What is Claude Mythos(09:02) Hype or Real?(13:55) LIV Golf Crisis(22:24) Tim Cook Exit(28:35) Apple Succession Plan*****Find out more about simulations for attraction, training and assessment at www.amplifyme.com
• Communication Skills for Career Success | The 4 Stages to Becoming a Confident Speaker 16.04.2026 53min

  Communication is one of the most valuable skills in finance and professional careers, yet it’s rarely taught.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung speaks with James Percy-Smith, founder of The Elocution Coach, about how students and professionals can develop powerful communication skills that accelerate their careers.They break down the four stages of becoming a confident speaker, why pressure and repetition are essential for improvement, and how better communication can transform your performance in interviews, presentations, and the workplace.If you want to speak with confidence, perform better in interviews, and influence people at work, this episode shares practical techniques you can start using immediately.(00:00) The #1 Career Skill(01:19) Why Most People Speak Poorly(02:40) The 4 Stages of Great Speakers(06:16) The Pressure Practice Trick(10:09) Beating Virtual Interviews(15:36) Authentic vs Role Playing(20:08) Explaining Complex Ideas(26:12) Speak With Authority(33:13) Body Language Secrets(37:33) Famous Speakers Broken Down(39:39) The Ingredients of Charisma(43:21) The 5-Minute Speaking Habit(46:48) Final AdviceJoin the waiting list for James' new book! www.jamespercysmith.com/book
• The $64B Takeover of Universal Music: Listing Arbitrage, Deal Mechanics & M&A Strategy 13.04.2026 24min

  In this week’s Market Maker Podcast, we break down Bill Ackman’s high-stakes bid for Universal Music Group, the entertainment giant behind global superstars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar. With the takeover offer estimated at $64.3bn, we unpack the M&A strategy underpinning the deal and why Pershing Square believes a US relisting could unlock significant value.From listing arbitrage to capital structure optimisation, we explore how shifting UMG’s listing from Europe to the US could drive a meaningful valuation re-rating. We dive into the mechanics of the transaction, including free float dynamics, liquidity constraints, and why Ackman has strategically reduced his own stake to help enable the relisting.We also compare this approach to other major listing migrations and examine how differences in market structure, investor base, and risk appetite can materially impact pricing. To round things out, we briefly touch on the evolving industry backdrop, including the rise of AI-generated music and what it could mean for the long-term positioning of music rights businesses.A focused episode on modern dealmaking strategy and how financial engineering and market structure can be powerful levers for value creation.(00:00) Intel Deal Breakdown(05:36) Energy & AI Deals(06:40) $64B UMG Bid(07:38) Listing Arbitrage Explained(10:25) Ackman’s Strategy(15:06) Free Float & Liquidity(17:33) Music Industry & AI*****Subscribe to the daily Market Maker newsletter
• US-Iran Ceasefire Rally Explained: Why Markets Are Ignoring Risk (Oil, Bonds & Bitcoin) 09.04.2026 12min

  Markets are rallying on ceasefire headlines but the risks haven’t disappeared.In this episode, we break down why equities are surging while bonds, oil, and macro signals tell a very different story. From inflation expectations to disrupted oil flows and fragile negotiations, the so-called “ceasefire bounce” may not be as solid as it looks.With earnings season approaching and geopolitical tensions still high, the key question is: are markets getting ahead of reality?
• Q1 Investment Banking League Tables, M&A Outlook, SpaceX IPO & Whoop Funding 06.04.2026 41min

  In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we review Q1 investment banking league tables and the rebound in global M&A activity.We discuss the key drivers behind deal flow, including interest rates, financing conditions, and geopolitical risk, and consider how the outlook may evolve into Q2. We also analyse the potential SMFG–Jefferies transaction, focusing on strategic rationale, regulatory constraints, and execution challenges.The episode covers the latest developments around the potential SpaceX IPO, including valuation expectations and syndicate structure, before turning to Whoop’s $575 million funding round and $10 billion valuation. We explore what this signals about private market dynamics, subscription-based business models, and future IPO positioning.(00:00) Q1 M&A & League Tables(05:07) Deal Flow Outlook(07:30) SpaceX IPO Structure(13:43) SMFG–Jefferies Deal(19:17) Deal Risks & Constraints(23:12) Whoop $10B Funding(33:05) Subscription Model Risks*****Sign up for the daily Market Maker newsletterTake a free Banking Accelerator simulation
• Oil Prices, Stagflation & Market Volatility: What’s Driving Global Markets? 02.04.2026 35min

  In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the recent surge in oil prices, rising stagflation risks, and the impact on global financial markets.With crude trading in a key $100-$120 range, we explore what’s driving volatility, how different economies are exposed to the energy shock, and why investors are shifting towards defensive sectors. We also examine the relative outperformance of the FTSE 100 and discuss what stagflation means in practice for growth, inflation, and market behaviour.This episode provides a clear, educational overview of the macro forces currently shaping markets.(00:00) Oil Volatility and Market Conditions(05:55) The Impact of News Flow on Prices(09:44) Sector Performance: Winners and Losers(14:47) Global Energy Dependency and Risk(27:12) FTSE 100 Outperformance Explained(30:52) Understanding Stagflation*****Sign up for the daily Market Maker newsletterTake a free Markets Accelerator simulation
• Are Traders Front-Running Trump’s Announcements? 29.03.2026 48min

  In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the surge in oil prices, the growing risk of $200 oil, and the controversy around large trades placed just minutes before a Trump headline hit the market. Is this insider trading, smart positioning, or algorithmic momentum?We explore how markets react to political signals, why oil is so sensitive to geopolitical risk, and what could actually drive prices higher. We also take a deeper look at why both stocks and bonds are falling at the same time, and what that means for traditional portfolio strategies like the 60/40 model.If you want to understand how markets really move and how professionals navigate chaos this episode is for you.(00:00) Market Overview(05:02) Stocks & Bonds(09:22) Portfolio Risk(16:00) $200 Oil?(19:36) Demand Limits(24:30) Trump & Markets(26:14) Strait of Hormuz(35:24) Front-Running Trump?(46:55) Final Thoughts
• $27bn Meta AI Deal & UniCredit launches €35bn Commerzbank takeover offer 23.03.2026 29min

  This week on the Market Maker Podcast, we break down a $27 billion AI deal between Meta and Nebius and what it reveals about the global race for compute power. We also dive into Unicredit’s $28 billion move on Commerzbank and why it’s become one of Europe’s most political banking battles.Plus, we cover the biggest deals of the week across wealth management, asset management, and defense, and explain what they tell us about where markets are heading next.(00:00) Intro(00:47) M&A Deals of the Week(07:49) Meta Nebius AI Deal(14:28) Unicredit Commerzbank Takeover*****Take a free M&A accelerator simulationSubscribe to the daily Market Maker newsletter