From Vibe Coding to Bank Battles: Cursor’s Meteoric Rise and Europe’s M&A Deal Drama
Anthony and Stephen explore how Cursor became the fastest-growing AI startup ever, from MIT roots to “vibe coding” hype and a $20 billion valuation in just 14 months.Then, it’s boardroom drama in Spain as Sabadell spins off TSB to block a hostile takeover from BBVA — a strategic move with big implications for European banking.Finally, Barclays brings in McKinsey to cut costs. What happens when consultants start targeting front-office jobs and what does it signal for banking careers in the age of AI?(00:00) Intro & Topics in Focus(02:40) Cursor and Vibe Coding(18:23) The Spanish Banking Landscape and TSB(30:51) Barclays and the Role of Consultants in Investment Banking
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Trailer: Market Maker
Welcome to Market Maker - the podcast that makes finance interesting and easy to understand for everyone.Hosted by Anthony Cheung, Chief Content & Culture Officer at AmplifyME, each week he and a guest break down what’s really moving markets, from interest rates and tech stocks to global politics and the latest M&A deals.Think of it like the FT... but with fewer buzzwords, more clarity, and a lot less taking ourselves too seriously.For anyone looking to understand markets better, whether for their career, business, or just curiosity — this is your edge.Subscribe now to Market Maker and stay one step ahead.
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What's Happening In Financial Markets Right Now (Fed, BoE & Geopolitics)
Markets have stayed calm so far this week, but central banks and geopolitics were anything but. Anthony and Piers break down the Fed’s muted meeting, the revised growth and inflation forecasts, and the hidden signals in the dot plot. Over in the UK, a dovish shift at the Bank of England suggests more cuts are coming despite a steady headline rate.They also unpack rising tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, and what oil markets are really telling us about the risk of escalation.From vote splits to forward guidance, this episode filters the noise to reveal the signals that matter.(00:00) Intro & Topics in Focus(02:03) Fed Hold Rates But Dot Plots Move(17:49) Bank of England's Strategy and Vote Split(27:39) Geopolitical Tensions and Market Reactions
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The Week in M&A: Disney Buys Hulu, Meta’s $15bn AI Bet & Billion-Dollar Chicken
From a $33 billion family tie-up at Toyota to Japan’s 400% surge in M&A activity, Anthony and Stephen break down the latest investment banking scorecard and why dealmakers are suddenly flocking East.They also dig into Disney’s final takeover of Hulu, the $15 billion Meta bet on AI startup Scale, and the fiery rise of Dave’s Hot Chicken, where three friends turned a $900 parking lot pop-up into a billion-dollar brand.Essential listening for anyone tracking global M&A trends, streaming wars, AI arms races and the unexpected lessons of franchise chicken economics.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(02:09) Investment Banking Scorecard Overview(04:09) Japan's M&A Surge: A Deep Dive(10:46) Disney's Strategic Acquisition of Hulu(16:46) Meta's $15 Billion Bet on AI(23:25) The Rise of Dave's Hot Chicken****Check out the AmplifyME Summer Analyst Tradining Programme https://amplifyme.com/summer-analyst-programme
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What Happened In Markets This Week: Oil's Spike, US CPI & US-China Trade Talks
Markets erupted this week as oil spiked 13% overnight following Israeli strikes on Iran. Anthony and Piers unpack what it all means from geopolitical shockwaves to the tactical chaos of trading during breaking news.They also dive into the concept of backwardation and why it's dominated the oil market for years, despite the headlines. Plus, what U.S. inflation data reveals about Trump’s tariff strategy and the real pressure behind his attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell.With the Fed meeting looming, a surging FTSE defying weak UK GDP, and signs of a subtle U.S.–China détente in London, this episode helps you connect the dots in a world full of noise.(00:00) Intro & Key Themes in Focus(02:14) Market Reactions to Geopolitical Events(12:33) Understanding Oil Market Dynamics(17:47) US Inflation Data and Its Implications(25:39) Trump Pressures the Fed to Cut(27:50) US-China Relations and Market Impact(32:45) UK GDP and the Resilience of the FTSE 100
Twice a week, we bring finance to life in a fun, engaging way for anyone interested in the world of finance, whether you're a professional, a student, or just curious to learn more.
Hosted by Anthony Cheung, a LinkedIn Top Voice, every Monday 'The Deal Room' dives into the latest M&A and private equity deals, uncovering the business strategies behind them. On Fridays, 'The Trading Floor' segment explores market trends, from macro themes to single stocks and crypto.
Our goal? To make finance interesting and accessible for everyone!
Ireland