Market Maker

What happens when a president hints at firing the Fed chair, markets spiral, and Elon Musk suddenly retreats from Washington? In this episode, Anthony and Piers dissect Trump’s headline-grabbing U-turn, the deeper implications for Fed independence, and why Tesla shares soared despite disastrous earnings. Plus, is a US-China trade thaw finally in sight and what could that mean for inflation and rat...

In part two of our ESG mini-series, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett dive into the backlash that’s hit the ESG world: record fund outflows, greenwashing scandals, political pushback, and major asset managers quietly stepping away. But is this really the end… or just the next chapter? They explore why ESG has become so controversial, why the US and Europe are heading in different directions, and...

In this episode, Anthony sits down with Miren-Edurne De Frutos, a senior sales & trading executive with decades of global experience across top-tier investment banks. Fluent in five languages and having worked across eight countries, Miren shares her refreshingly honest take on: What sales & trading roles actually involve (minus the jargon) How to stand out in finance by mastering soft ski...

Is ESG just a buzzword or does it still matter? In this two-part episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by ESG expert Stephen Barnett to unpack what ESG really means, where it came from, and why it’s become so confusing (and controversial). From trillion-dollar funds to wind turbines on glossy brochures, they explore the good, the bad, and the misunderstood.  Whether you're curious about impact in...

In one of the wildest weeks on Wall Street since 2008, markets flip from panic to euphoria—thanks to a single Truth Social post and a dramatic policy reversal from Donald Trump. But was it all part of the plan? In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down: Why the S&P 500 had its biggest one-day jump since the financial crisis The real asset class that forced Trump’s hand (hint:...

What does it take to succeed in quant finance? Anthony Cheung sits down with Nitish Maini, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldQuant, to discuss his journey from consulting to quant trading, the biggest misconceptions about the industry, and why creativity and strategic thinking are just as important as coding skills.  They also explore how WorldQuant is reshaping global talent pipelines through i...

In the second half of this two-part series, Anthony and Stephen unpack the political and economic ripple effects of Trump's first term on Nike, European carmakers, EV charging firms, luxury giants like LVMH and even private prison operators. From tariffs to executive orders, find out who’s adapting, who’s lobbying, and who’s quietly making billions. (00:35) Nike's Struggles Amid Trade Wars (09:23)...

How do you break into finance without a traditional background? Salena Lee, a Director in Real Estate Investment Banking EMEA at JLL, shares her unconventional journey from politics to investment banking and private equity, revealing the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts that made it possible. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, networking, and the balance between technical...

What do Tesla, Chevron, Paul Weiss, Accenture, and Boeing all have in common? In this episode, Anthony and Stephen dive into the companies most impacted, positively or negatively, by Donald Trump’s latest term in office. From surprise military contracts and stealth fighter jets to sanctions, executive orders, and collapsing EV valuations, this episode breaks down how politics and policy are shakin...

Is the UK economy teetering on the edge, or are we all just stuck in a cycle of doomscrolling and media hype? In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack the headlines dominating UK news, from surprisingly strong retail sales and wage growth to rising inflation forecasts and the Chancellor’s latest budget. Is this the start of a turnaround, or just a temporary blip before more pain to come? We explo...

In this episode, Anthony and Stephen discuss three major business stories: Google's acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion, PepsiCo's $2 billion purchase of prebiotic drink brand Poppi, and the record-setting $13 billion raised by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners for renewable energy investments.  The conversation delves into the implications of these deals, the strategic rat...

In this episode, Anthony and Piers break down the latest decisions from the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, including why both central banks chose to hold interest rates and what it means for markets. They unpack the implications of quantitative tightening (QT), explore shifts in the Fed’s balance sheet, and shed light on the importance of the dot plot and what it signals about future...

Former investment banker and private equity professional Emily Cook shares her journey into neuroscience and performance coaching, discussing the challenges and high demands of the finance industry, the importance of networking, and her insights on structured finance. Emily breaks down science-backed strategies for managing stress, boosting productivity, and sustaining peak performance. From breat...

In this episode of The Deal Room, Anthony and Stephen break down the latest high-stakes deals shaking up the investment banking world. From Goldman Sachs' $19 billion port sale and cost-cutting strategy (Project Voyage) to UBS’s role in the Walgreens Boots Alliance buyout, they uncover the strategies driving these financial powerhouses. Plus, they explore Europe’s push for aerospace self-sufficien...

Markets just took a hit, why? In this episode, Anthony and Piers break down the latest global market sell-off, unpacking the forces at play. From fresh tariff announcements and critical CPI data to technical market trends and Trump’s strategic economic moves, they dissect what’s really driving investor sentiment. How do inflation reports shape policy decisions? What technical signals are traders w...

Is the UK losing its edge in deal-making? In this episode, Anthony and Stephen break down the state of M&A, private equity, and IPOs, exploring how Brexit, FTSE 100 performance, and global competition are reshaping the market. Why are UK IPOs struggling against the US? What’s driving M&A activity or holding it back? How should investors navigate this shifting landscape? Tune in for expert...

In this episode, Anthony and Piers break down the biggest shifts in global markets, from what's driving the euro’s rally against the dollar to the latest signals on US economic sentiment and whether a recession is on the horizon. Tune in now for an easy-to-understand breakdown of the forces shaping markets this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you go from a successful career in finance to coaching top executives? In this episode, Hayley shares her journey, from excelling as a student to navigating the trading floor, transitioning into sales, and eventually becoming an executive coach. She breaks down the misconceptions around sales in finance, the raw skills that make a top performer, and why emotional intelligence is the ultimat...

In this episode, Anthony and Stephen break down the high-stakes earnings of Nvidia and Tesla, two of the most-watched stocks on Wall Street. What’s inside? Nvidia’s explosive revenue growth – is the AI boom still driving its valuation? Tesla’s slowing momentum – what’s behind the stagnant growth, and can Musk’s bold vision turn things around? Market sentiment & investor reaction – what these e...

Are we on the brink of a market shake-up? In this episode, Anthony and Piers break down the latest shifts in market sentiment, key economic indicators, and what’s driving investor confidence right now. What’s inside? The impact of geopolitics and the US economy on risk appetite Why Big Tech is still in the driver’s seat The Nvidia earnings event that could send shockwaves through the market How in...

In this episode, Anthony and Stephen discuss the recent struggles of BP, the impact of activist investors like Elliott Management, the dramatic drop in Shein's valuation due to external market pressures, and the rising valuations of sports franchises, particularly the New York Giants. The conversation highlights the complexities of corporate strategy, market dynamics, and the influence of politica...

How does a law graduate end up trading leveraged credit at one of the world's leading financial institutions? Emma Baron, Executive Director in Leveraged Credit Trading and Portfolio Management Goldman Sachs Asset Management, shares her unconventional journey into finance. From studying law to starting in broking, pivoting to hedge fund trading, and transitioning into asset management, Emma’s care...

This episode unpacks the high-stakes rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, diving into the power shifts within OpenAI, its controversial move from a non-profit to a capped-profit model, and the financial pressures shaping its future. We also explore how Trump’s administration is reshaping private equity and M&A, while examining the strategic maneuvers and corporate chess moves of Musk and...

This week, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down Barclays’ strong earnings, is their turnaround strategy finally paying off? They also explore why European equities are defying expectations, and what the latest US inflation data means for markets, interest rates, and central bank policy. Plus, a deeper look at trading vs. investing, how do market profes...

In this episode, Anthony and Stephen discuss key topics in the financial industry, focusing on investment banking salaries and bonuses, a fierce private equity battle in Japan, Santander's ambitions in the US market, and the troubled merger talks between Honda and Nissan.  The conversation provides insights into the dynamics of compensation in investment banking, the evolving landscape of pri...