5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 11/13/2025

7.5 million travelers are hitting the skies between Christmas and New Years this year, passing the pre-pandemic record of 7.2 million. International president of the Association of Flight Attendants Sara Nelson discusses the pilots and flight attendants renegotiating contracts and managing unruly passengers during a busy holiday schedule. And the “she-cession” may be over, but Yale Lecturer and journalist Joanne Lipman warns that working women may lose many of their workplace participation gains to rigid back-to-office mandates. Plus, 2023’s market year was a roller coaster, OpenAI is aiming to raise more funds at an estimated valuation of $100 billion, holiday returns just got a little trickier, and Meta might have beat Apple under the trees and menorahs this year, as the Apple Watch ban takes effect.  Sara Nelson     20:20Joanne Lipman   28:39 In this episode:Joanne Lipman, @joannelipmanSara Nelson, @FlyingWithSaraContessa Brewer, @contessabrewerLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

26 Des 202333min

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) returns to Squawk Pod for its annual tradition: tracking Santa Claus’s Christmas journey through the night sky. Deputy Commander of the Continental US NORAD Region Major-General S.T. Boyle explains how Rudolph helps light the way for Santa and for NORAD tracking his progress. Also spreading holiday cheer, chef, restaurateur, and author of “Eat, Drink, and Be Murray” cookbook, Andy Murray. Murray shares family recipes and stories from his Caddyshack-themed restaurants. Plus, New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman explains the geopolitics at play in the Red Sea, and Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin discuss the other business headlines before the holiday weekend: China’s limits on teen tech use, and the US Department of Transportation is scrutinizing frequent flier programs.  Thomas Friedman - 12:28Andy Murray - 20:02Major-General S.T. Boyle - 27:42 In this episode:Thomas Friedman, @tomfriedmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

22 Des 202332min

Markets are confused, at least according to some economists. The markets snapped 7 straight weeks of gains this week, as Wall Street interpreted the Federal Reserve’s pivot from hiking rates to cutting them. Chief economics correspondent at The Wall Street Journal Nick Timiraos penned a splashy op-ed pointing to confusion among investors and Fed governors. Elon Musk biographer and Tulane professor Walter Isaacson discusses the billionaire’s tendency to polarize his advertisers and consumers. Plus, Puck’s Matt Belloni discusses Warner Bros. Discovery’s early talks with Paramount Global for a potential merger, and Apple lost a bid to delay an import ban on certain Apple watches, but it’s reportedly gearing up to release its new mixed reality headset.  Matt Belloni - 6:48Nick Timiraos - 16:30Walter Isaacson - 29:03 In this episode:Nick Timiraos, @NickTimiraosWalter Isaacson, @WalterIsaacsonMatthew Belloni,@mattbelloniJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

21 Des 202337min

The market rally surges on, after the Federal Reserve announced its pivot. Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh discusses the rally and the Fed’s next move. FedEx shares tumbled after disappointing Wall Street in its second quarter report and lowering its revenue guidance; Broughton Capital’s Donald Broughton explains why this company is often considered a bellwether for macroeconomic conditions. CNBC’s Steve Liesman reveals America’s public opinion on its billionaires, and coming out on top was the ‘beloved Buffett.’ Plus, the Colorado Supreme Court has barred Donald Trump from appearing on state ballots in the 2024 Presidential election, citing the 14th amendment, and Rite Aid will shelf its facial recognition strategy after thousands of customers were wrongly targeted as shoplifters.  Donald Broughton - 10:24Kevin Warsh - 17:04 In this episode:Steve Liesman, @SteveLiesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Des 202344min

The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group backed by Iran, have amped up attacks on ships traveling through the Suez Canal since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War. Director of Harvard’s Belfer Center Meghan O’Sullivan explains the disruptions to global shipping and the geopolitics at play in the Red Sea. The AI arms race is set to enter a new year, as 2023 winds down. CNBC’s Technology Correspondent Steve Kovach discusses Microsoft, Nvidia, and other winners so far, and Activate CEO Michael Wolf explains how smaller players measure up to the tech giants. Plus, Google will pay consumers $700m (~$2 a person) in its Play store settlement, Apple’s pressing pause on some of its watches, and Senator John Fetterman (D-Penn.) is hoping to block Nippon’s $14.9B acquisition of US Steel.  Meghan O’Sullivan - 12:30Steve Kovach - 20:23Michael Wolf - 20:23 In this episode:Michael Wolf, @mjwMeghan O’Sullivan, @OSullivanMeghanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 Des 202327min

As holiday travel ramps up, Southwest Airlines is landed with a $140 million fine for last holiday season’s travel meltdown. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes airline obligations to passengers, as well as the infrastructure needed to protect American consumers and travelers. Companies must now disclose cyberattacks in a timely manner, in compliance with new rules from the SEC. Former CEO of FireEye and current Mandiant CEO Kevin Mandia explains the implications of this new rule for shareholders and corporations. Plus, the world’s fourth largest steel producer, Japan’s Nippon Steel, is buying US Steel for $14.9 billion. CNBC’s Courtney Reagan reports on the strength of beauty this holiday season, as the total addressable market for the sector expands in age and gender identity. Courtney Reagan - 6:49Phil Lebeau - 13:10Pete Buttigieg - 20:03Kevin Mandia - 28:36 In this episode:Pete Buttigieg, @SecretaryPeteCourtney Reagan, @courtreaganPhil Lebeau, @LebeaucarnewsJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 Des 202336min

The Senate will wait another week to go on holiday recess, after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delayed the break until lawmakers reach a deal on immigration and foreign aid. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Ok.) discusses the packages for Ukraine, Israel, and securing America’s own border. After a meeting in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Venezuela President Maduro and Guyana President Arfaan Ali have not reached a resolution to their territorial dispute. Former international correspondent for CNBC Michelle Caruso-Cabrera explains Maduro’s strategy, the geopolitics of the region, and the impact of their conflicting claims to an oil-rich area. Celebrity chef and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich is celebrating 25 years since her cooking show launch, and she’s still cooking for America through her restaurants, cookbooks, and Eataly.She  joins the team for a look at consumer appetites this season, including their spending and eating habits. Plus, Citigroup is closing its municipal offering business.  Sen. Markwayne Mullin - 15:28Lidia Bastianich - 29:27 In this episode:Markwayne Mullin, @SenMullinAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

15 Des 202334min

Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell surprised Wall Street with his announcement of a more dovish approach to inflation, moving forward. Powell signaled a 2024 of rate cuts from the central bank. OpenAI scored a deal with Politico and Business Insider parent Axel Springer, the company’s second deal with a news organization. Tulane Professor and Perella Weinberg Advisory Partner Walter Isaacson discusses AI’s role in newsrooms and the deals’ impacts on journalism. The Project Liberty founder Frank McCourt explains his idea for reclaiming our personal data online and keeping kids safe on the internet. Plus, Citigroup is offering early bonuses to departing employees.  Frank McCourt - 16:35Walter Isaacson - 25:51 In this episode:Walter Isaacson, @walterisaacsonMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 Des 202331min