Squawk Pod

Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has approved the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine, and that it has already been administered to one of his daughters. Without data on safety or efficacy, the rest of the world is speculating on the veracity and implications of the announcement. Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb explains why human vaccine trials are time consuming but necessary. The newly minted New York Jobs CEO Council consists of leaders from 27 NY-based companies and aims to bridge the gap between City of New York education and NYC corporate job opportunities. IBM’s Executive Chairman and former CEO Ginni Rometty and the Council’s Executive Director Gail Mellow are leading the initiative, and share why this work may be the key to combating racial and economic injustice in the area. Plus, college sports may be at a standstill. The Mid-American Conference has postponed Fall sports, and players, fans, and universities debate whether other leagues should follow.

11 Aug 202033min

President Trump took unorthodox action over the weekend in an attempt to fast track pandemic relief for Americans. CNBC’s Eamon Javers breaks down each of the four orders, from delayed payroll taxes to unemployment aid. The newly reinvented Kodak is facing SEC investigations into the company’s disclosure of its deal with the US government. Summer is drawing to a close, and Johns Hopkins School of Education’s Annette Anderson highlights what’s needed to prepare students and families for the new school year--whether it be remote or in person. Plus, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway announced that it repurchased $5.1B worth of stock in May and June, the company’s largest buyback in a single period.

10 Aug 202029min

Two months of record-setting payroll growth slowed in July, but the Labor Department's monthly report still showed encouraging signs. Jason Furman, Former Chair of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors, Kate Moore, Head of Thematic Strategy at Blackrock and Steve Liesman, CNBC’s Senior Economics Reporter break down the jobs report. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) discusses the latest stimulus negotiations and the U.S. economy. Plus, Nasdaq's new highs, U.S.-China tech tensions, and supporting struggling Americans: will billionaires be on the hook to cover fellow citizens' health costs?

7 Aug 202028min

The markets may be nearing all-time highs, but the real economy continues to struggle amid the pandemic. Senator Bernie Sanders is calling on billionaires to help support their country in need. Stimulus negotiations press on in Washington, and Operation Hope Chairman & CEO John Hope Bryant debates “Shark Tank” co-host Kevin O’Leary on what’s fair, what’s needed, and what’s at stake in the next round of pandemic relief. Plus, Rocket Companies, the parent of Quicken Loans, IPOs on the NYSE today. CEO Jay Farner and founder, chairman, billionaire, and philanthropist Dan Gilbert share what’s next for the now-public company, and for the mortgage lending landscape.

6 Aug 202038min

Businesses still recovering from Covid-19 shutdowns are now saddled with Tropical Storm Isaias damages. CNBC’s Contessa Brewer shares the storm’s impact on insurers amid the pandemic. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, says the worst relief plan for struggling businesses is no stimulus plan. The Senator weighs in on the stimulus stalemate in Congress and TikTok’s journey from hottest teenage app to hottest political headline. CNBC’s Ylan Mui reveals the financial impact of remote university learning on college towns in America, and former White House Health Care Policy Advisor Dr. Zeke Emanuel shares action steps for how schools can reopen safely. Plus, Apple is marching toward a $2T market cap, and Disney is leaning on streaming to survive the year.

5 Aug 202033min

Over three million small businesses in the U.S. have closed amid the pandemic, and former Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz says that without any "significant stimulus" plans available, millions more will follow. As the coronavirus crisis wears on, schools across the country are strategizing safe education. Julie Kashen, Director at Women's Economic Justice and Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation, discusses what’s at stake for parents--and the economy--in school’s new normal. If children are staying home...who’s caring for them? Plus, Microsoft may have competition in its pitch to buy TikTok, and President Trump wants the U.S. government to receive a cut of the deal.

4 Aug 202036min

Microsoft is in talks to buy some of the TikTok business from Chinese parent company ByteDance as U.S. government officials raise concerns about the platform’s risks to national security. Microsoft’s largest shareholder, former Microsoft CEO, founder of USAFacts, and Chairman of the NBA LA Clippers Steve Ballmer talks TikTok, big tech, and Covid cases. Plus, Cameron Mitchell operates dozens of successful restaurants across the country, but he says his industry won’t survive without another stimulus package.

3 Aug 202033min

The biggest tech companies and market leaders, Amazon, Apple and Facebook, reported stellar quarterly results. Legendary tech investor, Alan Patricof, says “everybody’s got to face up to the fact they are basically utilities.” Emergency unemployment benefits are set to expire today and Congress and the White House still seem far apart on an agreement. O’Shares ETFs Chairman and ”Shark Tank” Co-Host Kevin O’Leary, and Operation Hope Chairman, John Hope Bryant, discuss what they would like to see be done at the state and federal level. Plus, Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti on the company’s push in digital, and plans for Drive-Thru services.

31 Juli 202036min