Squawk Pod 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 12/17/2025
8 snips
Dec 17, 2025 Amazon is exploring a massive investment in OpenAI, while Waymo looks to raise $15 billion at a high valuation. Spirit Airlines may combine with Frontier again as they navigate bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans an executive order aimed at speeding up defense production by limiting buybacks. In the housing market, Lennar's financial struggles highlight concerns about affordability and consumer confidence.
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Amazon Could Deepen Cloud-AI Lead
- CNBC reports Amazon's investment in OpenAI could top $10 billion, signaling deep cloud-AI alignment.
- Using Amazon chips would strengthen AWS's position in foundational AI infrastructure.
Major AI, Autonomy And Defense Moves
- OpenAI is in talks with Amazon for a potential multi-billion dollar investment and to use Amazon's chips.
- Waymo plans a large 2026 raise while Spirit seeks a merger and defense production orders may tighten contractor payouts.
Spirit-Frontier Merger Speculation Returns
- Bloomberg says bankrupt Spirit Airlines may again merge with Frontier, possibly by month's end.
- Frontier shares rose about 4.7% on renewed merger speculation.