Market Maker

Anthony Cheung, Stephen Barnett, and Piers Curran explore the biggest financial themes for 2025, including M&A predictions, US debt concerns, and the S&P 500 outlook.

Stephen forecasts over $4 trillion in M&A deal value, while Piers warns of rising US deficits and interest payments. They also dive into AI’s growing influence, US-China relations, and economic policies under the new administration.

From investment strategies to Netflix’s stock ahead of Squid Game Season 2, this episode delivers sharp insights and bold predictions for the year ahead.

Thank you everyone for following the show this year and wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ahead!

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The U.S. central bank reduced its overnight borrowing rate by a quarter point to a target range of 4.25% to 4.5%, as expected.

However, new quarterly forecasts showed several officials penciled in fewer rate cuts for next year than they estimated just a few months ago, and saw inflation making considerably less progress in 2025.

• The Nasdaq 100 fell 3.6% and the S&P 500 sank nearly 3%

• The two-year Treasury yield, which is highly sensitive to Fed policy, surged 10 basis points to 4.34%

• U.S. dollar jumped more than 1% against a basket of six peers to the highest level since November 2022

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Join Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett as they break down 2024’s biggest financial stories and trends. From Exxon's game-changing acquisition of Pioneer to Reddit's blockbuster IPO, they explore how the year unfolded in M&A, private credit, and the IPO market.

Discover how Nvidia cemented its AI dominance, J.P. Morgan led the pack in investment banking, and BlackRock expanded its footprint in alternative assets. 

Packed with insights, this episode dives into the power of scale, innovation, and strategic moves shaping the future of finance.

Perfect for finance enthusiasts and professionals looking to stay ahead!

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What do chicken wings, Shakira, and Tesla's $400bn milestone have in common? More than you'd think! In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the week's market moves, from Tesla's meteoric rise to the surprising connections between pop culture and structured finance.

They dive into inflation’s grip on market sentiment, what’s next from the Fed, and how an aging population is reshaping investment trends. 

Packed with insights and a few unexpected twists, this is one you won’t want to miss!

*****

Experience Finance now at www.amplifyme.com

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In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett discuss the latest news in finance, including Nvidia's cash management and potential M&A strategies, BlackRock's aggressive acquisitions in private markets, ongoing antitrust challenges facing Google, the approval of Vodafone and 3's merger, and a shocking scandal involving Nomura's former banker. 

The conversation highlights the dynamics of the finance and technology sectors, regulatory challenges, and the implications of corporate strategies.

*****

Want to experience finance? Check out www.amplifyme.com

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In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran discuss the future of oil prices, influenced by Trump's energy policies and the broader global economic landscape. 

They explore the implications of political turmoil in France, the concept of 'Japanification' in China, and the overall outlook for the US market amidst various economic risks.

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In this episode, Lewis Rogerson shares his journey, from university and AmplifyME to securing a Rothschild internship and rising to Vice President at The OPES Group.

He discusses how he discovered his passion for banking, the key differences between boutique and bulge bracket banks, and his top tips for standing out as an intern.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring a career in investment banking!

(02:45) Episode Intro

(04:28) University Experience

(05:34) Discovering an Interest in Banking

(07:54) Tips for Converting an Internship

(09:04) Bulge Bracket vs. Boutique Banks

(12:38) The Value of Interpersonal Skills

(14:18) Misconceptions About Work/Life Balance

(15:31) Transitioning from London to Miami

(19:46) How Seniority Changes the Role

(22:30) Embracing an Entrepreneurial Mindset

(24:28) The Power of Networking

(26:18) Top Resources for Staying Informed

*****

Want to experience Investment Banking? Try our free M&A Finance Accelerator simulation in partnership with UBS www.amplifyme.com/mafa

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In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett explore:

• Jaguar's controversial rebrand: Marketing brilliance or a risky misstep?

• The collapse of a high-profile take-private deal and its ripple effects on major banks.

• A breakdown of PIKs, dividend recaps, and toggles—unpacking the complex mechanics of corporate finance.

Tune in to see how finance theory meets real-world drama in today’s markets.

(00:00) Episode Intro

(03:39) The Jaguar Rebrand Controversy

(13:26) The Collapse of a Major Take-Private Deal

(21:24) Understanding PICs, Dividend Recaps, and Toggles

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Join Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran as they break down two big market stories: the surge in coffee prices to near 50-year highs and a bold forecast for the S&P 500 to hit 7,000 points next year.

From droughts in Brazil to Starbucks’ supply chain strategies, they unpack the key drivers behind skyrocketing coffee costs and what it means for consumers and the industry. Then, they turn to equities, exploring Deutsche Bank’s bullish S&P 500 outlook—covering valuation gaps, buybacks, and how shifting economic cycles could shape the market ahead.

Insightful and packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to understand the forces driving today’s markets.

***

Experience Finance now at www.amplifyme.com

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In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett discuss Nvidia's recent earnings report, the implications of Trump's return on M&A activity, and the role of activist investors in corporate strategy. 

A great conversation connecting corporate finance theory to real-life examples unfolding right now!

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