Afleveringen
-
This week on Market Maker, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down the £5.7 billion bidding war for easyJet and explain why private equity firms are suddenly competing to buy one of Europe's best-known airlines.
Using the deal as a case study, they explore how investment bankers value airline businesses, why easyJet became an attractive takeover target, and what students can learn about mergers & acquisitions from a real live transaction.
Along the way they explain key airline metrics such as ASK, RASK and CASK, discuss why airlines are notoriously difficult businesses to run, and reveal why the value of airport slots and aircraft fleets matters so much to investors.
Whether you're preparing for investment banking interviews, building your commercial awareness, or simply curious about how billion-pound acquisitions happen, this episode provides a practical insight into corporate finance using one of the UK's most recognisable companies.
(00:00) Why easyJet a Takeover Target
(01:38) The £5.7bn Bidding War Explained
(09:58) Why Private Equity Wants easyJet
(15:10) How Airlines Are Really Valued
(19:50) ASK, RASK & CASK Explained
(20:49) Why easyJet Looks Undervalued
(29:27) Breaking Up the Business
(34:05) Why Airlines Are Difficult to Run
-
Oil is up but stocks aren't blinking, so why has the market gone numb to the Strait of Hormuz standoff between the US and Iran?
Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the real reason traders are shrugging off the latest flare-up, why Trump wants oil prices low ahead of the midterms, and what Iran's grip on the Strait actually means for shipping.
Then, new Fed chairman Kevin Walsh is tearing up the old central bank playbook in favour of real-time data over legacy models, and we ask whether that's smart evolution or a risky departure.
Finally, Apple's $30 billion deal with Broadcom: is this genuine supply chain strategy or a political shield against Trump's tariffs, and what it really means for iPhone battery life, AI processing, and data privacy going forward.
(00:00) Intro
(01:36) Iran-US Tensions Explained
(08:05) Oil Traders vs. Macro Markets
(10:42) Fed Minutes Breakdown
(16:10) How the Fed Actually Decides
(23:30) CPI Basket Explained
(28:54) Fed Goes Quant
(33:08) Apple's $30bn Broadcom Deal
(39:18) Apple, AI, and Data Privacy
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Is OpenAI delaying its IPO, and why has it reportedly discussed giving the US government a 5% stake?
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down one of the biggest stories in finance and technology before exploring the latest IPOs shaping global markets.
From Bending Spoons' blockbuster listing and Lime's stock market debut to Oman's largest flotation and Wayve's role in the London Stock Exchange's new private markets initiative, we explain what these deals reveal about investing, venture capital, AI and the future of capital markets.
Whether you're preparing for investment banking interviews, working in finance, or simply want to understand the biggest business stories of the week, this episode gives you the context behind the headlines in a clear and practical way.
(00:00) Coming Up
(02:54) OpenAI's 5% US Government Deal
(10:06) OpenAI IPO Delay Explained
(13:52) Bending Spoons IPO
(23:19) Lime IPO Explained
(29:28) Oman's Fertilizer IPO
(35:22) London's New Private Market
-
What does it take to keep going when things get tough?
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung is joined by endurance cyclist, two-time cancer survivor and motivational speaker James Golding for a conversation about resilience, mental toughness and performing under pressure. While James has completed some of the world's toughest endurance challenges, this isn't a podcast about cycling. It's about the mindset behind sustained success and how anyone can apply those lessons in their career.
Together they explore how to deal with rejection, overcome self-doubt, recover from setbacks and stay focused on long-term goals. Whether you're preparing for interviews, working in investment banking, trading, or simply looking to become more resilient in your professional life, this episode is full of practical insights that can be applied immediately.
If you've ever wondered what separates those who thrive under pressure from those who give up, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
(00:00) Introduction
(01:30) James Golding's Story
(06:20) Why Cycling Changed Everything
(10:33) Cycling Across America
(14:28) Building Resilience
(24:12) Small Wins Matter
(28:35) The Power of Reflection
(32:21) Overcoming Self-Doubt
(35:30) Performing Under Pressure
(41:52) Why Your Team Matters
(50:05) Dealing with Rejection
(55:46) Tour de France Challenge
21 stages of the Tour de France in just 12 days - DONATE
James Speaker enquiries - [email protected]
-
Goldman Sachs has advised on more than $1 trillion of mergers and acquisitions in record time, highlighting the return of blockbuster dealmaking. We explain what's driving the surge in investment banking activity, why AI is fuelling both M&A and IPOs, and what it means for markets.
We also break down the growing crisis at Thames Water, why nationalisation is back on the table, and how years of private equity ownership led to one of the UK's biggest corporate challenges. Finally, we analyse Snap's dramatic decline from a $130 billion company to under $10 billion, why its founder-led governance matters, and whether its bet on augmented reality glasses can ever pay off.
(00:00) Coming Up
(02:32) Goldman Sachs Hits $1 Trillion
(06:08) M&A League Tables 1H26
(09:08) IPO Markets Returns
(17:29) What Next for M&A
(19:11) Thames Water Explained
(24:32) Special Administration Regime
(32:27) Can Thames Water Be Saved?
(36:54) Snap's $120B Collapse
(40:07) The Founder Control Problem
(45:24) Does ESG Still Matter?
-
SpaceX raised $86 billion in its IPO then borrowed another $25 billion from the bond markets days later. Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the financial engineering behind the deal, what a BAA1 credit rating means, and why Elon Musk is playing a completely different game to everyone else.
Micron just posted EBITDA up 15x year-on-year with gross margins jumping from 39% to 85%. We unpack what that tells us about who's really winning the AI race and why it's no longer the Mag 7.
Finally, Keir Starmer is out. UK gilt yields broke above 5% for the first time in decades before falling back sharply. We explain why markets rallied on the news and what Andy Burnham as Prime Minister means for U.K. bond markets.
(00:00) Introduction
(00:22) SpaceX Post-IPO Sell-Off
(05:15) Mag 7 vs Semiconductors
(12:27) Oil, Iran & the Fed's Hawkish Turn
(15:45) Micron's Blowout Earnings
(22:18) SpaceX's $25bn Bond Deal Explained
(31:29) Keir Starmer Resigns UK Market Reaction
-
Why would a company generating less than $20 billion in annual revenue spend $60 billion acquiring an AI coding startup?
In this episode of AmplifyME Market Maker, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett take a deep dive into SpaceX's blockbuster acquisition of Cursor and explore the strategy behind one of the most talked-about deals in markets. They break down how Cursor went from startup to a $60 billion acquisition target in just a few years, why investors pushed SpaceX above a $3 trillion valuation following the announcement, and what the deal reveals about AI, venture capital, corporate finance and Elon Musk's long-term vision.
The discussion also explores the unique economics of highly valued companies, how acquisitions can accelerate growth, and why the world's biggest technology firms are racing to secure AI talent and infrastructure.
Plus, a look at Fox's $22 billion acquisition of Roku and the latest developments in UniCredit's ongoing pursuit of Commerzbank.
(00:00) Intro
(01:45) SpaceX & Cursor Deal
(04:38) SpaceX Valuation Debate
(09:08) Deal Structure Explained
(15:33) Shareholder Structure
(18:18) Who is Cursor
(21:16) Cursor Founders
(22:44) The MIT Startup Ecosystem
(29:42) Fox Buys Roku
(36:26) M&A Psychology
(40:13) UniCredit vs Commerzbank
(42:32) Orcel's Takeover Strategy
-
In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Debt Capital Markets, a crucial yet often overlooked business function within major investment banks like J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, and Citi.
Join us as we demystify DCM, explaining its unique role within investment banking divisions and the essential personality traits that make individuals well-suited to this area of finance.
From structuring bond offerings to advising clients on debt issuance strategies, DCM professionals play a vital role in facilitating capital raising for corporations and governments worldwide.
Get ready to dive deep into Debt Capital Markets and uncover fresh insights into the ever-evolving world of finance.
(00:00) What is DCM?
(05:50) Working in DCM
(08:36) Skills of DCM Analyst
(13:48) DCM Progression
(14:59) Salary Progression
-
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing investment banking, but what does that actually mean for M&A professionals and students looking to break into the industry?
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett explore how AI is being used across mergers and acquisitions, from deal sourcing and due diligence to financial modelling and research. They discuss the rise of specialist finance AI tools such as Rogo, why private equity firms are embracing AI, the risks around automation, and whether junior investment banking roles could look very different in the years ahead.
Most importantly, they examine the skills that will become more valuable as AI reshapes finance careers, including communication, judgment, adaptability and relationship building.
If you're interested in investment banking, private equity, AI in finance, or the future of financial services careers, this episode is for you.
(00:00) How AI Is Changing M&A
(01:49) What M&A Bankers Actually Do
(04:49) Private Equity AI Integration
(06:54) AI Adoption Across Finance
(13:16) Where AI Adds The Most Value
(19:13) Beyond Financial Modelling
(26:38) Who Is Using AI Most?
(28:50) Rogo, Claude & AI Tools
(36:14) The Risks Of AI
(38:52) The Future Of Investment Banking
(42:40) Skills AI Can't Replace
(49:03) Final Thoughts On AI & Careers
-
The SpaceX IPO has captured the world's attention, but away from the headlines there are some major macroeconomic developments investors should be watching.
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the latest US inflation report, discuss whether the Federal Reserve may avoid further rate hikes despite inflation rising to 4.2%, and analyse why the European Central Bank has become the first major Western central bank to raise rates in response to the recent energy shock.
They also explore the growing political risk in the UK, where a little-known by-election could have significant implications for bond markets, government borrowing costs and the future of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Plus, the pair give their predictions on where SpaceX shares could trade after one of the most anticipated IPOs in market history.
(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus
(01:41) SpaceX IPO Mania
(06:05) US Inflation Hits 4.2%
(14:50) Will The Fed Hike?
(20:11) ECB Hikes Rates
(32:36) The UK By-Election Risk
-
The AI IPO race is heating up.
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the latest developments surrounding the SpaceX IPO and OpenAI’s confidential S1 filing to the SEC.
We discuss Goldman Sachs’ huge growth forecasts for SpaceX, the surge in retail investor demand, and why Elon Musk may be positioning SpaceX as one of the biggest AI infrastructure plays in the world.
We also dive into OpenAI’s reported internal tensions ahead of its IPO process, including concerns around governance, leadership and whether the company is truly ready to go public.
If you're interested in AI, investing, IPOs, venture capital or the future of technology companies, this episode gives you a practical breakdown of what’s happening behind the headlines.
(00:00) Intro
(01:03) SpaceX IPO Update
(08:39) Bankers Selling the Vision
(10:35) Retail Demand & Hype
(14:20) OpenAI Files for IPO
(18:57) OpenAI’s Internal Issues
(22:59) Why CEO/CFO Tension Matters
(24:57) Goldman & Morgan Stanley
-
The SpaceX IPO is becoming one of the most fascinating corporate events in modern financial history.
This week on Market Maker, we unpack the latest updates from SpaceX’s live IPO roadshow, including Elon Musk’s influence over the process, Goldman Sachs’ strategy, retail investor demand and the unusual decision to lock the IPO price before bookbuilding even began.
We also explain Anthropic’s IPO filing, why the AI race with OpenAI is accelerating and how Berkshire Hathaway quietly built one of the most powerful business models in the world after its latest $6.8 billion acquisition.
A must-watch episode for anyone interested in investing, IPOs, AI, business strategy and how modern financial markets really work.
(00:00) SpaceX IPO Roadshow
(06:15) S&P Rejects SpaceX
(11:29) Why Banks Are Winning
(19:19) Anthropic Files To IPO
(27:58) Anthropic vs OpenAI
(33:08) Berkshire Hathaway Explained
(39:22) Buffett’s Secret Strategy
(46:40) Berkshire’s Next Move
-
What does the World Cup have in common with Wall Street trading desks?
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the hidden financial world behind the biggest sporting event on the planet. From Goldman Sachs’ 100,000-run quant model predicting the winner of the tournament, to the rise of Polymarket and decentralised prediction exchanges, this is the World Cup through the lens of markets, trading and probability.
We explore how bookmakers operate like market makers, why prediction markets are disrupting the betting industry, and how billions of dollars are now being traded on World Cup outcomes. We also dive into the data behind implied probabilities, elo ratings, liquidity, market inefficiencies and why England may be one of the most mispriced teams in the tournament.
Plus, we uncover fascinating ECB research showing how football matches cause trading volume in London markets to collapse in real time.
If you want to understand how finance, probability, trading and sport collide, this episode is for you.
(00:00) The Finance Behind The World Cup
(03:51) How Bookies Really Make Money
(05:48) The Problem With “Smart Money”
(14:03) Prediction Markets Explained
(16:06) Polymarket vs The Bookies
(20:23) Goldman Sachs Predicts The Winner
(23:01) What Is An Elo Rating?
(24:44) Goldman Predictions 5th to 1st
(26:05) Argentina: Winners Slump Factor
(26:54) France: Bracket Drag
(27:26) Why England Is Overpriced
(30:08) Goldman’s Terrible Track Record
(31:40) World Cup Impact On Markets
(35:12) The Economic Boom Of Football
(37:26) Final Predictions & Golden Boot
-
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
-
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 newsletter
Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn
-
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
-
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 simulation
Join the AmplifyME Summer Analyst Training Programme
-
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)
-
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?
-
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
- Laat meer zien
