158. Is the Fed Secretly Stimulating Markets? Plus Exciting Announcement!

In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, Kristen and Jen kick announce the launch of their long-awaited M&A course, part of their dynamic, story-driven finance curriculum. They discuss how the course, two years in the making, blends real-world technicals with the drama of HBO’s Succession, making complex M&A concepts like accretion/dilution, deferred taxes, and tax structuring both engaging and accessible. They also announce a major May SALE on their self-paced course, see the links below to participate!

From there, the conversation dives deep into the latest market headlines. Jen unpacks the recent Fed meeting, clarifying misconceptions about quantitative easing and explaining how the Fed is managing its shrinking balance sheet through non-competitive treasury purchases. They also discuss how these moves tie into broader concerns about stagflation, market liquidity, and the mechanics behind treasury auctions—demystifying some of the viral finance content floating around online.

Finally, they pivot to the major private equity news of the week: 3G Capital’s $9.3 billion bid to take Skechers private. Kristen and Jen break down why companies often seek the shelter of private ownership during times of market turmoil, the structure of 3G’s offer (including rollover equity options for shareholders), and what this signals for the broader M&A environment. 

Shop the MAY SALE:
- Buy the FULL IBD / PE course for 20% off HERE
- M&A Standalone Course $50 OFF HERE

Enroll in the Financial Modeling Talent Accelerator HERE

Join the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE

Learn more about 9fin HERE

Shop our Self Paced Courses:

Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HERE
Fixed Income Sales & Trading HERE

Wealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE.