Squawk Pod

Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, discusses the impact of missing labor market data during the government shutdown and its influence on monetary policy. Meanwhile, Aravind Srinivas, Founder and CEO of Perplexity, unveils Comet, an AI browser designed as a personal assistant. He explores its capabilities in handling email and calendars, data privacy concerns, and the challenges of integrating advanced AI models. Goolsbee also highlights the economic implications of relying on alternative data sources amid uncertainty.

A looming government shutdown halts the critical employment report. In a major move, BlackRock is in talks to acquire a key data center company for $40 billion, signaling a bold AI investment. Meanwhile, USA Rare Earth sees its stock rise following discussions with the Trump administration. Alphabet plans to spin off its Verily life-sciences unit. And in pop culture news, Taylor Swift's 12th album drops at midnight, creating waves among eager fans.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who plays a crucial role in shaping fiscal policy, discusses the ongoing government shutdown and its economic implications. He emphasizes the need for trust in negotiations and the likelihood of a clean continuing resolution. Emily Wilkins provides insights on the political dynamics in Washington, while Sharon Epperson breaks down tax changes and charitable giving strategies. Expect an intriguing perspective on the search for the next Fed chair and the complexities of U.S.-China trade relations.

Jake Sherman, co-founder of Punchbowl News, shares insights on the unexpected government shutdown and its implications for Congress. Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP, discusses the slowdown in hiring momentum, emphasizing that alternative labor metrics can't fully replace BLS data. They also explore the potential economic fallout from federal furloughs and how private sector jobs might be affected. Listen in for their takes on trends, forecasts, and what this all means for the economy.

This discussion dives into the government's impact on employment data with the potential absence of the key jobs report. The withdrawal of economist E.J. Antoni's nomination pulses through financial circles, while Tesla raises lease prices post-tax credit expiration. Boeing's anticipated $120 million contract for bomb replacements in Iran marks a significant military contract. Meanwhile, Disney's tough stance leads to the removal of its characters from Character AI's platform, raising eyebrows in the tech and entertainment sectors.

Join House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican representative from Louisiana, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, as they dive into the impending government shutdown. Johnson argues that Democrats are playing politics by blocking a 'clean' funding resolution, while Jeffries counters, emphasizing the need to protect healthcare and accusing Republicans of harmful fiscal choices. The tension highlights critical issues such as ACA tax credits and the consequences of a shutdown on federal services, making for an intense and insightful discussion.

Jim Cramer, a bestselling author and CNBC personality, shares insights from his new book on market strategies and how AI is transforming investing. He emphasizes the importance of research tools for individual investors and critiques trends among younger investors, advocating for prudent saving over speculation. Kathryn Wylde, President of the Partnership for New York City, discusses the recent New York mayoral race, reflecting on business leaders' concerns and the community's desire for safety and effective governance.

Jeep-maker Stellantis has a new CFO, stirring excitement in the auto industry. GSK's CEO is stepping down, impacting their stock performance. SEC Chair Paul Atkins is backing a plan to eliminate quarterly earnings reports. Vice President JD Vance shares positive news about TikTok's future in the U.S. Plus, Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show, while Taylor Swift turns down the spot. Get ready for a whirlwind of market insights and cultural highlights!

Sen. Ron Johnson, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, shares insights on his Eliminate Shutdowns Act aimed at preventing future government shutdowns while discussing the need for budget reform and healthcare policy. Andrew Robertson, Chairman of BBDO Worldwide, delves into his book, The Creative Shift, emphasizing how organizations can cultivate creativity. They explore the need for nurturing innovative environments, the risks of bold campaigns, and how to sustain creativity into adulthood. Exciting topics, thoughtful discussions, and fresh perspectives await!

Discover the latest in market news! President Trump proposes hefty tariffs on pharmaceuticals and trucks, sparking debates on their economic impact. Costco impresses with earnings by launching Kirkland alternatives to tackle tariff costs. Meta introduces ad-free pricing options in the UK, matching their earlier EU move. In a surprising turn, Amazon agrees to a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC over Prime membership issues. Tune in for insightful analysis on these hot topics!