AI Boom or Bubble? Plus the US Government Reopens After Record Shutdown
This week on the AmplifyME Market Maker podcast, we break down three major market stories: Trump ends the longest US government shutdown, but markets are already bracing for another fiscal cliff in January; oil drops sharply as Saudi ramps supply ahead of a high-stakes meeting with Trump in Washington; and we unpack Goldman Sachs’ latest view on whether the AI boom is a bubble or the start of a multi-trillion-dollar investment cycle.(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus(02:10) US Government Shutdown Ends(08:40) SNAP, ACA & Sector Impacts(12:20) Airlines & Thanksgiving Travel(14:20) Oil Drops 4%: Supply Glut(19:05) Saudi Strategy & Trump Meeting(22:09) AI Demand vs Energy Glut(24:30) Are We in an AI Bubble?(26:25) Private vs Public AI Valuations(29:00) Data Centre Capex Boom(33:22) Where Value Sits in the AI Stack(34:31) Gary Marcus & AI Limits(37:49) Bubble or Not? Final Take
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41:26
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41:26
How to Think and Speak Like a Macro Strategist: Finance Career Skills Explained
Thinking about a career in finance and want to build confidence in your market views? In this episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by Mike Bell, a former J.P. Morgan macro strategist, to break down how to think clearly about the economy, communicate under pressure, and make your ideas land.Mike explains how to navigate the business cycle, what really matters when forming a macro view, and how to present with clarity - whether it's to clients, in interviews, or on live TV. If you want to sharpen your market thinking and sound confident doing it, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right away.(00:00) Intro to Mike Bell(03:06) Politics Meets Economics(07:41) Business Cycle Basics(13:05) Inflation and Recession(17:39) Tech Shocks & AI(22:36) Models vs. Discretion(31:15) Learning Public Speaking(35:28) Preparing for Pressure(51:25) Posting on LinkedIn
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1:06:50
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1:06:50
Pound Slides, Quants Cash In, and a $49B M&A Gamble
In this episode of Market Maker, Anthony and Piers unpack why the pound has dropped to a seven-month low following Rachel Reeves' rare pre-budget comments, and what it signals for UK markets. They explore London’s rise as a global quant hub, attracting top STEM talent and reshaping finance. Plus, they break down the $49 billion Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue merger, why markets hate it, and what it means for deal-making today.(00:00) Welcome & Pound Drop(04:30) UK Fiscal Shift(18:43) Quant Boom in London(30:33) Big Tech vs Quants(36:50) $49B M&A Deal*****Check out the AmplifyME in-person Finance Bootcamp happening in London, 15-19 December 2025.Use the Code BOOT150 at checkout for a £150 discount.
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55:45
Why Being Brave Beats Being Perfect in Finance | Terri Duhon - Trader, Board Director, TEDx Speaker
What does bravery look like in the world of finance? Terri Duhon, Wall Street trader turned board director, TEDx speaker, and award-winning educator, shares her remarkable journey from rural Louisiana to MIT, J.P. Morgan, and the boardrooms of Morgan Stanley International and rising fintech firm Wise.In this inspiring episode of the Market Maker Podcast mini-series spotlighting women in finance, Terri talks about the power of dreaming big, why financial literacy is essential for independence, and how being brave, not perfect, can change everything. She also explores the myths around women and numbers, the reality of imposter syndrome, and the critical role community plays in building confidence.If you’ve ever doubted your path or felt like you didn’t belong, Terri’s story will remind you that you’re not alone and that you absolutely belong.(00:00) Introduction & Guest Background(00:52) Growing Up in Louisiana(04:10) Imposter Syndrome & MIT(08:28) Lessons from the Trading Floor(13:07) Leaving Wall Street(16:39) Bravery Over Perfection(19:54) Women and Self-Selection(25:58) Financial Independence(30:00) Building Confidence(33:25) Changing Role Models(36:31) Final Message
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36:59
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36:59
BATMMAAN Takes Over Wall Street: Nvidia, Big Tech Earnings & Fed Fog
This week on Market Maker, we unpack three big themes moving markets. Nvidia briefly hit a $5 trillion valuation before a Trump–Xi meeting wiped billions off the stock. We explain what happened and what it reveals about AI hype and geopolitics.We then break down big tech earnings: Alphabet soared while Meta slumped, despite similar numbers. Is “BATMMAAN” the new “Magnificent 7”? And finally, the Fed cut rates—but Powell’s fog analogy hints at rising uncertainty ahead.Whether you’re a student, prepping for interviews, or just want clear market insights, we’ve got you covered.(00:00) Themes in Focus This Week(03:46) Nvidia hits $5T: AI chips, hype & order book(09:17) Trump–Xi meeting fallout: Nvidia crashes(22:00) Alphabet soars, Meta slumps — why?(30:11) Amazon & Apple: AI, retail, and holiday signals(37:40) Meta’s spending problem + the new AI chapter(49:37) Fed cuts rates: Powell’s “fog” warningSubscribe to the daily Market Maker newsletter
The AmplifyME Market Maker Podcast makes finance fun and easy to understand. Hosted by LinkedIn Top Voice Anthony Cheung and trader-turned-founder Piers Curran, each week they break down the biggest market stories and trends shaping the global economy. Get real insight, boost your commercial awareness, and learn how markets really work, with top guests from leading banks, hedge funds, and asset managers sharing their career journeys and invaluable advice.
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