Squawk Pod

Dan Ives, a leading technology analyst at Wedbush Securities, discusses his top AI stock picks for 2026, spotlighting significant names like Microsoft and Tesla. He highlights the impact of NVIDIA chips and Apple’s consumer AI strategies. Meanwhile, Courtney Reagan dives into the rising personalization in retail returns, exploring how AI shapes return policies and logistics. They also touch on California's proposed wealth tax, examining its potential effects on Silicon Valley and entrepreneurship.

In this discussion, Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC contributor and CEO of MCC Global, investigates the deep-rooted issues behind Venezuela's political crisis, touching on drug trafficking, oil mismanagement, and the international implications of the mass exodus. Bradley Tusk, founder of Tusk Ventures, dives into the complexities of AI regulation, exploring the energy demands associated with data centers and his innovative ideas for sustainable solutions. Together, they unveil the intricate web of geopolitical and technological challenges shaping today's world.

In this engaging discussion, happiness expert Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and author, shares how generosity and family ties are essential to finding true happiness. He emphasizes five money strategies to enhance joy, including investing in experiences and meaningful giving. Retail analyst Michael Zakkour reveals interesting trends from the holiday shopping season, detailing how a shorter timeframe impacted consumer behavior and identifying luxury and budget winners. The conversation seamlessly blends insights on spending and emotional well-being.

Gold and silver prices are surging, signaling vibrant market activity. Meanwhile, a lottery player scored a record Powerball win, making headlines. In tech news, Waymo hits pause on its San Francisco robotaxi service amid severe weather warnings. Looking ahead, Snowflake is reportedly eyeing a significant acquisition of AI software developer Observe, aiming to enhance its analytics capabilities. Tune in for analysis and insights on these intriguing developments!

Steve Liesman, a Senior economics reporter at CNBC, reveals the top Christmas movies according to the All-America Economic Survey, with 'Home Alone' stealing the spotlight. Rich Kleiman, co-founder of Boardroom and sports agent for Kevin Durant, shares insights on the thrilling NBA Christmas Day matchups, highlighting a young talent surge in the league. They also discuss the intersection of holiday traditions with sports as NORAD's General Guillot explains how Santa is tracked globally, revealing the tech behind this beloved tradition.

The stock market opens with metals soaring, as gold and silver reach astonishing record closes. Waymo is refreshing its driverless fleet after a hiccup during a blackout in San Francisco. Exciting news also comes from Motive, as it files for an IPO. Meanwhile, the Powerball jackpot skyrockets to an eye-watering $1.7 billion, leading to lively discussions about lottery etiquette and legalities. The hosts share laughs about the dreams and realities of winning big, making for an entertaining take on both finance and fortune.

Steve Kovach, a Technology reporter for CNBC, lays out trends in AI, emphasizing commoditization and the consolidation of industry leaders like OpenAI and Google. Chris Kelly, former Facebook chief privacy officer, discusses the increasing efficiency and competition for AI talent. Investor Anthony Pompliano dives into Coinbase's recent acquisition of a prediction markets platform and examines Bitcoin's performance and the role of crypto in financial strategies. The conversation provides a captivating look into the future of tech and finance.

Gerry Cardinale, founder of RedBird Capital Partners and key investor in Paramount's bid for Warner Bros., discusses the details of an amended $30 billion offer amidst competitive pressure from Netflix. He highlights the importance of direct shareholder engagement and addresses regulatory concerns. Meanwhile, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA Commissioner, raises alarms about the implications of adopting a Danish-style vaccine schedule in the U.S., emphasizing potential risks to children's health and the ongoing debate on drug pricing reforms.

Waymo is back in action in San Francisco after a blackout disrupted its service. In the finance world, an $8.4 billion deal sees Clearwater Analytics going private. Meanwhile, Avatar 3 has disappointed at the box office, raking in only $88 million. On a thrilling note, tonight's Powerball jackpot is almost hitting $1.6 billion. Lastly, SoftBank is close to securing over $22 billion in funding for OpenAI before the year's end.

Kevin Mayer, former CEO of TikTok and media executive, shares insights on the new U.S. joint venture involving Oracle and Silver Lake, emphasizing its importance for data safety. Eunice Yoon, CNBC's Beijing bureau chief, discusses China's regulatory nuances and state media's supportive signals regarding the deal. Ray Isle, the executive wine editor at Food & Wine, offers holiday wine recommendations while addressing the impact of tariffs and a shift towards nonalcoholic options, exploring the cyclical nature of the wine market.