Market Maker

The Fed kept rates on hold - no surprise there. But in this episode, Anthony and Piers dig into the real story: the subtle shifts in language, the rising risk of stagflation, and how Trump’s tariff war is clouding the economic outlook.  They break down why traders hang on Powell’s every word, how markets react before policy changes, and what conflicting data says about where the US economy is headed. Whether you're trying to make sense of monetary policy or sharpen your market instincts, this is the episode that connects the dots, minus the jargon, with all the context. (00:00) Understanding the FOMC Announcement (02:47) Monetary Policy's Impact on Markets (05:52) Decoding Economic Data and Fed's Challenges (08:33) Powell Fires Back at Trump (11:32) Unpacking Changes in the Fed's Statement (16:14) Market Reactions and Future Expectations (18:48) Tariffs, Negotiations, and Market Sentiment (21:10) Interest Rate Futures and Market Predictions ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Meta is back in the crosshairs of the FTC. Could Zuckerberg really be forced to spin off Instagram or WhatsApp? We explore the legal showdown, what it means for antitrust enforcement in big tech, and the potential ripple effects for future M&A deals in Silicon Valley. Then, we head to the UK where private equity giant KKR is circling Thames Water with a potential £4 billion investment. It’s a classic case of distressed infrastructure meets sharp-elbowed private capital. Tune in for a breakdown of the business models, political implications, and what these deals say about the future of competition and capitalism. (00:00) Introduction and Overview of M&A Topics (02:44) Meta's Antitrust Battle and Business Model Critique (10:30) FTC's Antitrust Case Against Meta (17:44) Implications of Antitrust Case for Big Tech (25:46) KKR's Acquisition of Thames Water (32:25) Private Equity vs. Nationalization of Utilities ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Anthony and Piers break down the latest U.S. GDP figures that sent headlines into a frenzy, but is the economy really on the brink of recession?  This episode dives into the mechanics behind the data, why imports distorted the numbers, and what it really means for the Fed, markets, and your investment outlook.  Clear, no-nonsense insight that cuts through the headlines. (00:00) Introduction and Economic Context (02:09) Understanding GDP and Its Implications (06:30) Consumer Sentiment and Economic Resilience (12:34) Market Reactions and Future Projections (19:06) Conclusion and Key Takeaways ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Guinevere Taylor didn’t study finance. She didn’t go to a top-tier uni. But she built a successful career in asset management and after several years as a director at a major sell-side bank, she now leads UK Capital Formation at Brightwood Capital. In this episode, she shares how she broke into the industry, built confidence in client-facing roles, and juggled early motherhood with a demanding career. If you're a student or young professional looking for real, relatable advice on thriving in finance, this conversation is for you. (00:00) Fiji to Finance (02:47) From Credit Cards to Asset Management (06:06) The Importance of Soft Skills in Client Relations (08:57) Balancing Work and Motherhood (11:57) Embracing Diversity and Inclusion (15:09) Why Building Relationships is Key Skill (17:59) Finding your Right Fit (21:06) Networking for Young Professionals (24:05) Advice for Future Generations ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

In this podcast episode, Anthony and Stephen unpack the return of mega mergers, from Capital One’s $35.5bn takeover of Discover Financial to Nomura’s strategic $2bn acquisition. Plus, they dive into why private equity is reshaping the accountancy world through massive consolidation plays like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton. Whether you're aiming for banking, asset management, accounting, private equity, or advisory, this is essential insight to stay ahead of the curve. (00:00) Introduction to M&A Deals (02:05) Capital One's $35.5 Billion Acquisition (09:02) Nomura's Strategic Acquisition of Macquarie (16:00) Baker Tilly's Acquisition of Moss Adams (25:50) Grant Thornton's Fragmented Structure and PE Involvement *** Take a free M&A Finance Accelerator simulation in partnership with UBS www.amplifyme.com/mafa ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.