Market Maker

In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett discuss practical advice for students on crafting effective CVs and cover letters, emphasising the importance of tailoring applications, showcasing unique experiences, and the power of transferable skills.  This episode is packed with great tips learned from working with thousands of students and directly with the companies in the finance in...

In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the latest US CPI data and its implications for the Fed's interest rate strategy. But that's not all, Germany’s economy is in the spotlight as they explore recession warnings, government forecasts, and what this all means for the Eurozone. They also dive into the growing divide between US and European monetary policies, dissecting the ECB...

**This conversation was recorded LIVE on the AmplifyME LinkedIn page** In this conversation, Ben Arnold an investment director at Schroders, shares his extensive experience in the finance industry, discussing the intricacies of the application process for internships and graduate roles.  He emphasises the importance of quality over quantity in applications, effective research strategies, and...

In this episode, Anthony and Stephen delve into the complexities of investment banking jargon, breaking down essential terms like EBITDA, leverage, DCF, and synergies.  They discuss the importance of understanding these concepts for interviews and practical applications in M&A strategies. The conversation also covers the distinctions between bulge bracket and boutique banks, as well as th...

In this special episode, join Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran as they break down the latest US labor report in real-time. Get insights into the instant market reaction and what this means for the Federal Reserve and the broader political landscape. With the economic data smashing expectations, this is crucial information for both investors and students prepping for finance interviews. Hosted on Ac...

In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnet discuss the latest developments in M&A speculation, focusing on Unicredit's acquisition attempts of Commerzbank, Qualcomm's interest in Intel, and the ongoing saga of Rightmove's acquisition.  They delve into the complexities of these transactions, the political implications, and the strategic rationale behind them, providing insight...

In this conversation, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran discuss significant global economic events, focusing on China's recent stimulus measures aimed at revitalising its struggling economy and Saudi Arabia's shift away from its $100 oil price target.  They explore the implications of these developments for global markets, interest rates, and economic sentiment, emphasising the interconnectedne...

In this episode, Anthony and Stephen discuss the current state of the M&A market, highlighting key trends, the impact of interest rates, and the dynamics of private equity.  They explore the resurgence of mega deals, particularly in the energy and technology sectors, and address the realities of working in investment banking, including long hours and managing expectations for aspiring pro...

In this podcast episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran discuss the recent interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, analysing market reactions and implications for investors.  They delve into the significance of the Fed's bold 50 basis point cut, the contrasting approaches of the two central banks, and the impact of labour market dynamics, particularly in re...

The internship application season is in full swing, and while it’s an exciting time, it can also be incredibly stressful. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this episode, I'm joined by special guest Favour Oluwanusin, a university student who recently went viral for sharing an in-depth guide on how he secured an astonishing 9 Spring Week offers. Together, we break down the key steps to take you...

In this episode, I’m joined by co-founder Piers Curran to dive into three major talking points in global markets this week. Here’s what we cover: The odds of a 50 bps rate cut from the Fed have dramatically reduced following the latest US CPI report. Trump trades lose steam as Harris wins their first encounter. Goldman Sachs prepares to post a $400 million hit to Q3 results as it unwinds its consu...

In this episode, we dive into some of the biggest deals currently shaping the corporate finance landscape. We explore Mars' acquisition of Kellanova, the NFL's move to allow minority private equity interests, the potential takeover of Rightmove by REA Group, and Blackstone's acquisition of AirTrunk. Join us as we unpack the strategic motivations behind these deals, consider potential antitrust con...

The market remains divided on whether the Fed will cut rates by 50 or 25 basis points. Friday's labour report was expected to provide clarity, but instead, it delivered mixed signals. Tune in to discover how the markets reacted, what clues the US yield curve is providing, and which data points to watch leading up to the FOMC meeting on September 18th. Essential listening for any investor or studen...

In this episode of The Deal Room, Anthony and Stephen Barnett dive deep into the valuation of Nvidia, comparing it with Intel.  They explore various valuation methods, including market-based, absolute, and relative approaches, and unpack the assumptions and subjectivity that shape these models.  The discussion also covers Nvidia's growth potential and current valuation, contrasted with I...

Nvidia reported a staggering 122% revenue growth, but its sales outlook was disappointing. Data center revenues are slowing, the new Blackwell design has encountered problems, and gross margins are narrowing. As the AI hype begins to cool, is Nvidia managing expectations or facing a slowdown? Get up to speed on one of the major stories in global markets this week. ***** 01:00 Introduction and Nvid...

In this episode, we chat with Peter Bell, founder and CEO of Cardean Bell, a leading M&A boutique advisory firm. With 24 years at top investment banks like Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Lehman Europe, and Nomura, Peter has advised on over $100 billion in transactions across every industry sector. In 2016, he launched Cardean Bell to offer a more personalised approach to M&A and IPO adviso...

Is a US recession pending? Have stocks already peaked this year? Has the focus shifted from inflation to the labour market? In this episode, I speak to co-founder Piers Curran to unpack his view on the major themes in global markets. Essential listening for any investor or student getting prepared for the upcoming application season. **** Introduction and Setting the Stage (1:44) Shift in Focus: F...

In this episode, we dive deep into three of the most intriguing stories shaking up the financial world: Ackman’s IPO Flop: Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square IPO crashes from a $25 billion goal to just $2 billion, with major backers like Baupost Group stepping away. We discuss what went wrong and the broader implications for closed-end funds. (3:00) Buffett’s Bold Move: Warren Buffett unloads $3 billio...

The headline on Bloomberg reads '$6.4 trillion stock wipeout has traders fearing ‘Great Unwind’ is just starting'. Join us as we delve into the key drivers behind Monday’s dramatic selloff in global equities. We'll explore the fundamental factors, market mechanics, and investor psychology that played pivotal roles in this market turbulence. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis essential for anyone...

In this episode, we unpack: Investors and bankers are raising billions for new SPACs. What are they and why are they back in favour? (3:06) Honeywell’s quantum computing spinout, Quantinuum, is eyeing a $10bn IPO amid the AI boom. (12:59) A dealmaking revival is boosting the UK’s top law firms. Banker or lawyer: which career would you choose? (20:34) Tune in to explore corporate finance through to...

In this special 2-part series of The Deal Room, we dive into an "Ask Me Anything" session with the curious minds of the students on our Summer Analyst Training Programme.  Join Stephen Barnet, our Director of Corporate Finance, and Anthony Cheung, Chief Content & Culture Officer at AmplifyME, for an engaging discussion that covers everything from career advice to industry insights. In par...

In this episode, we break down the latest financial news in focus this week: Tesla's shares plunge after missing earnings for the fourth quarter in a row, despite record revenue. Meanwhile, Alphabet shines with a strong performance in cloud services, surpassing revenue expectations. French bank, BNP Paribas reported a record second-quarter profit driven by a surge in equities, while Deutsche Bank...

In this special 2-part series of The Deal Room, we dive into an "Ask Me Anything" session with the curious minds of the students on our Summer Analyst Training Programme.  Join Stephen Barnet, our Director of Corporate Finance, and Anthony Cheung, Chief Content & Culture Officer at AmplifyME, for an engaging discussion that covers everything from career advice to industry insights. In par...

Midweek turmoil hit global chip stocks following reports of tighter US export restrictions and rising geopolitical tensions, spurred by remarks from former President Donald Trump. We also unpack comments from the former US President on his thoughts on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, his view on interest rates, and why he may draft in help from J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon. On the other side of...

In this episode, we delve into Nike's recent struggles, with its stock down over 30% this year. We'll explore the factors contributing to its decline, from questionable leadership and strategic missteps to macroeconomic challenges and rising competition in the sneaker market. HSBC is reshaping its investment banking division to better compete with its rivals. Discover the changes being implemented...