Squawk on the Street

Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, discusses how new AI commerce features will revolutionize online shopping, highlighting transformative partnerships. Jason Furman, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, critiques the DOJ investigation into Fed Chair Powell, warning of its damaging effects on inflation and economic policy. Cameron Bready, CEO of Global Payments, shares insights on the strategic integration of the WorldPay acquisition, emphasizing growth synergies in the payments landscape.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell faces a DOJ probe related to his testimony, sparking fears over Fed independence. Trump staunchly opposes Exxon Mobil's stance on Venezuela, promising repercussions. Meanwhile, Apple's Eddy Cue reveals exciting insights on leveraging Google's Gemini AI for future developments. The hosts dissect the 'sell America' trade, along with the potential impact of political pressure on Fed leadership. They also spotlight Paramount's legal battle with Warner Bros. and Walmart's ambitious e-commerce strategy against Amazon.

Cramer reveals his top pick in retail, highlighting Costco's impressive member cash returns that could boost renewals. He discusses the strong December sales and the compelling narrative behind them. Investor attention is focused on a potential Supreme Court decision about tariffs, which could impact the market dramatically. Cramer believes Costco is positioned like a coiled spring, ready to spring into action with its growing online signups. Get ready for some retail insights that could shape your investing strategy!

Joining the conversation are Jan Hatzius, Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs, and Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz. They delve into the December jobs report, highlighting weak payroll growth and a drop in unemployment. El-Erian discusses how AI might affect labor dynamics, stressing the need for policies that enhance productivity rather than merely cut costs. Hatzius predicts a disinflationary trend by 2026, emphasizing the Fed's focus on balancing demand and supply amid ongoing economic shifts.

Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council Director and White House economic advisor, shares insights on the recent job report, noting a surprising 50,000 job gain with a 4.4% unemployment rate. He discusses the implications of strong productivity on GDP growth and the potential impact of tariffs amid Supreme Court deliberations. Hassett offers a preview of President Trump’s meeting with oil CEOs, highlighting strategies to revive Venezuelan oil production. The conversation also touches on AI's role in boosting productivity and upcoming housing initiatives.

In this discussion, Cramer explores the intriguing dynamics of early January's market, highlighting a divergence in stock performances. He delves into why underperforming stocks are bouncing back, suggesting a rotation in investor interest. Caution is advised, as historical trends show early-year spikes can be misleading. Cramer emphasizes Costco's impressive December sales growth, predicting its continued outperformance over Walmart. This insightful analysis sheds light on market movements and what they mean for investors.

Becky Quick, a CNBC anchor focused on rare diseases, shares her personal connection to the topic, introducing the CNBC Cures initiative to drive awareness and action. Ian Bremmer, a geopolitical analyst, offers insights on U.S. strategies in Venezuela and NATO's evolving dynamics. Michael Yee, UBS's biotech expert, discusses the surge in biotech M&A and the promising market for obesity drugs. Diana Olick analyzes housing market trends, revealing cautious optimism, while Rick Santelli reviews key economic indicators shaping the markets.

Hosts dive into the surge in defense stocks following Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget. Paramount's strategic response to Warner Bros. Discovery's rejection showcases the competitive media landscape. Alphabet's climb over Apple reflects shifting tech dynamics, powered by YouTube's performance. Meanwhile, Trump's meeting with oil executives signals a potential revival of Venezuela's crude production. The discussion also touches on NVIDIA's geopolitical challenges and Costco's impressive retail results.

Jim Cramer analyzes the current landscape of bank stocks ahead of key earnings. He expresses concerns about potential parabolic moves and suggests trimming positions in hot banks. The discussion includes insights on notable trades like Capital One and BlackRock, alongside positive remarks on Wells Fargo. Cramer also touches on Jamie Dimon's geopolitical caution regarding Venezuela's impact on JPMorgan. Analyst downgrades and trading restrictions add layers to his cautious outlook as he wraps up with thoughts on market strategies.

Brian Sullivan, a CNBC anchor known for covering markets and policy, shares insights from the Goldman Sachs conference. He reveals that the U.S. plans to continue selling Venezuelan oil indefinitely while addressing the complexities of logistics and refining challenges. The discussion also highlights record highs for the Dow and S&P 500, along with Alaska Airlines making headlines by ordering 110 Boeing jets. Additionally, Jim Cramer talks about undervalued stocks and the potential in the chip sector amid ongoing market dynamics.