Market Maker

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?

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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

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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

This week on the Market Maker deals show, Anthony and Stephen break down the biggest corporate finance stories moving global markets. They unpack UniCredit’s hostile takeover battle for Commerzbank and why CEO Andrea Orcel is being labelled “The Shark” as European banking consolidation heats up again.

They also dive into GameStop’s shocking $55bn bid for eBay, Ryan Cohen’s chaotic CNBC interview, and the mechanics behind meme-stock dealmaking.

Finally, they explore how Eli Lilly became one of the world’s most valuable companies, why it just raised $9bn in bonds, and how pharmaceutical giants use acquisitions to defend their blockbuster drug pipelines.

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) Intro & Researcher Opportunity
(03:04) UniCredit vs Commerzbank
(18:50) GameStop’s $55BN Bid for eBay
(32:18) Eli Lilly’s $9BN Bond Raise & M&A Strategy

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Watch the CNBC interview with GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen