Squawk Pod

Amazon shares fell as much as 12% after the company gave revenue outlook for the current quarter that fell short of Wall Street’s estimates. It could mark Amazon’s worst day since January 2014 if the losses hold through the close. Apple shares also dipped after management said supply chain constraints could hinder fiscal third-quarter revenue. Toni Sacconaghi, Bernstein senior research analyst, reacts to Apple’s latest quarterly earnings report. Brooks Running CEO Jim Weber joins Becky Quick in Omaha ahead of Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting to break down how the company is navigating supply chain woes and more. For exclusive coverage of the 2022 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, with appearances from Bill Murray, Jimmy Buffett, and the Oracle of Omaha himself, tune into CNBC.com Saturday, at 9:45 am ET: https://www.cnbc.com/brklive22/. In this episode:Jim Weber, @brooksrunningAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ford is cutting 580 U.S. salaried and contract employees as it restructures to focus on EVs. The automaker also reported a net loss of $3.1 billion in the first quarter, largely due the loss in value of a 12% stake in electric vehicle start-up Rivian Automotive. Facebook parent Meta surged 15% after the company reported better-than-expected profit in the first quarter. Rich Greenfield, LightShed Partners co-founder, breaks down how the platform is evolving, and how Mark Zuckerberg’s attitude has shifted. Archegos founder Bill Hwang is free on bail after being formally charged over accusations of a massive stock market fraud. Elon Musk’s bid for Twitter remains contentious, particularly among employees; Alan Guarino, Korn Ferry vice chairman, Tsedal Neeley, Harvard Business School professor, and CNBC’s Jon Fortt discuss Elon Musk’s recent tweet criticizing Twitter’s top lawyer, and whether Musk’s leadership style will drive current Twitter employees away. As a reminder, you can watch Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders meeting on April 30 on CNBC.com! The Omaha, Nebraska, event gives shareholders a chance to hear Buffett and Munger discuss investing and their economic and life outlooks.In this episode:Jon Fortt, @jonforttTsedal Neeley, @tsedalRich Greenfield, @RichLightShedAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

U.S. stocks rose in volatile trading today after the Nasdaq Composite closed yesterday at a new low for the year, attempting to rebound from a tech-led sell-off in April. Archegos Capital Management’s owner, Bill Hwang, and its former chief financial officer, Patrick Halligan, were arrested today in connection with the implosion of the family office last year. The men are being charged with racketeering conspiracy, securities fraud and wire fraud, according to a statement from the U.S. district court. Companies including Texas Instruments and Deutsche Bank are out with new warnings about the potential impact of the Covid outbreak in China. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports Beijing is currently winding down its city wide testing and Shanghai is expected to lift the lockdown measures. Meanwhile, former FDA commissioner and CNBC contributor, Scott Gottlieb, says China does not have a Covid endgame and will see rolling lockdowns for the “foreseeable future”.In this episode:Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvScott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Twitter has accepted Elon Musk’s $44B buyout deal. Musk, adamant that Twitter champions free speech, will take the company private. Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt discusses what Musk’s idea of free speech means for a safe, productive virtual town square, and investor Kevin O’Leary shares why this move might bring many former Twitter users back to the platform. One noticeably absent former Twitter user: Donald Trump. According to our own Joe Kernen’s conversation with the former President, Trump won’t be among the tweeters returning to the fold under Elon’s watch. Plus, Fidelity will now allow bitcoin in your 401(k). In this episode:Jonathan Greenblatt, @JGreenblattADLKevin O’Leary, @kevinolearytvAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In France, President Macron is celebrating victory, American diplomats will return to Ukraine, and all across the globe, markets are under pressure. In Washington, DC, the Biden administration is working to get more Democrats on board for the President’s tax plan; White House Council of Economic Advisors member Jared Bernstein defends different aspects of the wealth tax, the current voting breakdown, and the dynamic between America’s tight labor market and its inflation. Twitter shares jumped on reports the company is nearing a deal with Elon Musk that could be announced as soon as Monday. Former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton weighs in on Musk’s Twitter takeover bid and Wall Street’s concerns. In this episode:Jared Bernstein, @econjaredAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The streaming wars have left big players with some battle scars: Netflix is recovering from a rough year so far, and CNN+ is no more. Axios media reporter Sara Fischer and The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern discuss what went wrong for the service, and why Warner Bros. Discovery has opted to shut it down. Political strategist and pollster Frank Luntz discusses America’s complicated response to corporations getting involved in politics, as Disney finds itself on the outs with Florida’s lawmakers. Plus, Elon Musk is still trying to scrounge up the funds to buy Twitter. In this episode:Joanna Stern, @JoannaSternSara Fischer, @sarafischerFrank Luntz, @FrankLuntzAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Famed shortseller Bill Ackman and his firm Pershing Square dumped its stake in Netflix yesterday following the streaming service company’s disappointing quarterly report. Netflix lost 200,000 subscribers in its latest quarter and expects to lose an additional 2 million subscribers in its next quarter, prompting the stock’s worst trading day in over 17 years. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau breaks down the key takeaways from Tesla’s first-quarter earnings results, which beat Wall Street’s estimates. Florida state lawmakers are working to pass a bill that would eliminate Disney’s special self-governing status in the state. CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on how this could impact Florida residents, and Florida State Rep. Randy Fine, who filed the House legislation, discusses whether it was spurred by the company’s response to Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill. Plus, Melvin Capital is attempting a rebrand, Carl Icahn calls out Wall Street ‘hypocrisy’ over ESG investing in a letter to McDonald’s shareholders.In this episode:Robert Frank, @robtfrankPhil LeBeau, @LebeaucarnewsAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a shocking and disappointing report on Wall Street, Netflix revealed a loss of subscribers in the last quarter–its first loss in 10 years. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking aim at Disney by presenting a bill that could revoke the company’s near-autonomy over the 40 square miles it inhabits in the Sunshine State. Skybridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci discusses the clash of politics and business, and whether the Governor’s action is a wise retaliation for Disney’s criticism of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Former FDA Commissioner considers the risks for ending the mask mandates–both political, for the CDC, and physical, for all travelers. Plus, Elon Musk is at it again–just in time for his favorite day of the year. In this episode:Anthony Scaramucci, @ScaramucciDr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Masks are no longer mandated on public transportation, after a federal judge in Florida ruled that the CDC had overstepped its authority when it issued a mask mandate for planes, trains, and buses. Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, discusses whether customers and employees will continue to use masks to protect fellow travelers. Plus, as Elon Musk explores options to finance his bid to buy Twitter, biographer and Tulane professor Walter Isaacson shares insight on Musk’s goals and motivations from extended conversations with Elon Musk himself. In this episode:Walter Isaacson, @WalterIsaacsonSara Nelson, @FlyingWithSaraAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elon Musk’s bid for Twitter has prompted questions about his own financial liquidity, and free speech on the platform. While Wall Street is eyeing Musk’s offer, Musk is bringing the entire Twitter board under scrutiny, calling out their online presence and potentially suggesting that the platform’s power rest with shareholders, instead of the board. The World Health Organization maintains that the Covid-19 pandemic is still very much underway, but governments in the U.S. and in China are handling the continued outbreaks very differently. Dr. Kavita Patel, former White House health policy director, unpacks the CDC’s new guidance on Covid safety in the U.S., which emphasizes personal choice over mandates. Plus, in other health news, fried foods are trending up on American menus. In this episode:Dr. Kavita Patel, @kavitapmdAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy says workers may be “better off” not joining a union. In an extended interview at Amazon’s Seattle campus, Jassy spoke with Andrew Ross Sorkin to break down his first annual letter to shareholders. Jassy explains how the company quickly grew its fulfillment center capacity amid a rapid pandemic rise in e-commerce sales and he reacts to unionization efforts inside Amazon warehouses. The Amazon chief also discusses the federal minimum wage, Amazon’s 20-for-1 stock split, Elon Musk’s Twitter bid, crypto, and much more. Andrew Ross Sorkin also tours a fulfillment center with Amazon’s Alicia Boler Davis about the up-to-the minute technology completing millions of e-commerce orders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Producer Price Index, which measures prices paid by wholesalers, rose 11.2% from a year ago, hitting a record high. Inflation around the world continues to rise as Vladimir Putin presses on in his war in Ukraine. Hermitage Capital CEO and author of “Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin’s Wrath” Bill Browder, shares details of his life under Putin’s eye and concerns about the war’s ripple effects across the globe. Plus, Elon Musk is back in the news–this time, for a lawsuit. In this episode:Bill Browder, @BillBrowderJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation by tracking the prices of everyday items, rose 8.5% in the last year–the fastest annual gain since 1981. CNBC’s senior economics reporter Steve Liesman and on-air editor Rick Santelli explain the hot inflation data, pains for consumers, and whether the Fed’s aggressive policies to combat it will result in a broader economic slowdown. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd covers another factor that could hit inflation rates here in the U.S.: China’s Covid lockdowns. As sweeping shutdowns across the country continue, Rudd considers the impact on global supply chains and inflation around the world. Plus, Etsy sellers are on strike–virtually for a week to protest a hike in fees. In this episode:Kevin Rudd, @MrKRuddRick Santelli, @RickSantelliSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

China’s strict “no-Covid” policy is prompting lockdowns across the country, and residents are sharing reports of food shortages and hoarding as they weather the latest wave of the pandemic. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports from China on the quarantines and the inflation sweeping the nation. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb details the low vaccination rates in China that might be contributing to such a dire situation over 2 years into the pandemic. White House economist Heather Boushey, a member of President Biden’s Council of Economic Advisors, discusses inflation in the U.S., high energy costs around the world, and what the government might do to mitigate American pocketbook pains. Plus, WarnerMedia and Discovery have made their merger official; investors and streamers are tuned in for the resulting changes to the entertainment and media landscapes. In this episode:Heather Boushey, @hboushey46Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDEunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Vladimir Putin presses on with Russia’s assaults in Ukraine, the rest of the world has reevaluated the globe’s balance of energy power. The New York Times columnist Tom Friedman discusses the new oil world order and this moment’s legacy in energy markets for years to come. Elon Musk closed out an eventful week with a “cyber rodeo” to celebrate the opening of Tesla’s new gigafactory in Austin, Texas. CNBC’s Phil Lebeau and WSJ’s Tim Higgins discuss the whirlwind week for Tesla, Twitter, and Musk himself. Plus, famed entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Thiel shared some harsh words about fellow billionaire Warren Buffett, calling the Oracle of Omaha a “sociopathic grandpa.” In this episode:Tom Friedman, @tomfriedmanTim Higgins, @timkhigginsPhil LeBeau, @LebeaucarnewsJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elon Musk’s 9.2% stake in Twitter cost him $2.6B–chump change for the wealthiest man in the world, according to fellow billionaire and supporter Ron Baron. But Musk’s ownership and board seat are a big deal for Twitter and for social media on the whole; Reddit co-founder turned VC Alexis Ohanian considers Musk’s intentions and his potential impact on social media as we know it. Plus, President Biden has expressed his support for unionizing Amazon workers, and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has had a productive–and expensive–start to 2022. In this episode:Alexis Ohanian, @alexisohanianJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Filmmaker Ken Burns’ new two-part documentary on PBS documents the life and complicated legacy of Benjamin Franklin. The documentarian joins Franklin biographer Walter Isaacson to discuss how the founding father shaped not only our country, but America’s everyday life, language, education system, and economy. Contemporary innovator Elon Musk is also shaping our daily lives, albeit differently: the anchors discuss his ambitions for Twitter and his multifaceted legacy–flamethrowers, rockets, and all. Plus, CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports on JetBlue’s $3.6 billion offer for Spirit Airlines, and whether regulators will show as much skepticism as Wall Street analysts. In this episode: Ken Burns, @KenBurnsWalter Isaacson, @WalterIsaacsonPhil LeBeau, @LebeaucarnewsJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In an extended interview, Matt Damon and Gary White discuss founding their nonprofit Water.org, following over a decade funding global access to safe water and sanitation. The actor and engineer share their inspiration and motivation. Plus, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been appointed to Twitter’s board of directors after taking a 9.2% stake in the social media giant. In reaction, Twitter saw its best day of trading since its IPO in 2013. Shanghai has extended restrictions on transportation as cases rise and lockdown continues, and in the U.S., the Senate reached a deal on $10 billion in additional Covid funding just in case another Covid wave arrives stateside.In this episode:Matt Damon, @WaterGary White, @WaterAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk purchased a giant stake in Twitter making him the largest outside shareholder in the social media stock, not long after criticizing the company for what he said was its failure to uphold the tenets of free speech. Rich Greenfield, partner and co-founder of LightShed Partners, reacts to Elon Musk’s passive stake in Twitter and explains why he thinks Twitter could be an acquisition target—and a buying opportunity for investors. Amazon workers on New York’s Staten Island made history after becoming the first group to vote in favor of unionizing at a U.S. facility operated by the country’s largest e-commerce company. Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, reacts to the historic unionization vote and a similar sentiment building among Starbucks baristas. Plus, CNBC’s Leslie Picker breaks down the highlights from JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s annual letter to shareholders.In this episode:Mary Kay Henry, @MaryKayHenryRich Greenfield, @RichLightShedLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The bond market briefly flashed a warning that recession could be imminent; Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, Andrew Ross Sorkin, and CNBC’s senior economics reporter Steve Liesman explain Wall Street’s hype about the inverted yield curve. The other talk on Wall Street: a social breakfast between Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick and trader Alexander von Furstenberg that’s now in the center of official probes into insider trading concerns. Also caught up in the probes are billionaire magnates Barry Diller and David Geffen. Plus, China is in the thick of another battle with Covid, but here at home, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb says, we’re nearing the end of its pandemic phase. In this episode:Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wall Street and Washington are still hung up on the Biden administration’s proposed billionaire income tax, but pollster and political strategist Frank Luntz says the majority of Americans are more concerned about gas independence and inflation than they are about wealth. Newly declassified U.S. intelligence indicates Russian President Vladimir Putin feels he was misled by military leaders who did not tell him key details about the botched invasion of Ukraine because they feared angering him, according to top Biden administration officials. The Biden administration is expected to end the asylum limits at the U.S.-Mexico border originally put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The policy has blocked more than 1.7 million attempts by immigrants to cross the border since its start during the Trump administration in March 2020. Plus, CNBC’s Bertha Coombs reports that Walgreens Boots Alliance shares are falling as demand linked to the Covid pandemic slows, and the anchors are singing their way down memory lane. In this episode:Frank Luntz, @FrankLuntzBertha Coombs, @berthacoombsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meme stock mania has returned to the markets. Wild swings in GameStop and AMC stock have drummed up more interest in retail trading trends; Tastytrade founder and Co-CEO Tom Sosnoff considers meme trader philosophy and its impact on market health. Plus, Joe Kernen and Andrew Ross Sorkin’s obsession with the Biden Administration’s budget proposal restricting CEO stock buybacks continues another day – this time, due to athleisure company - and maker of the world’s greatest pants - Lululemon’s announcement of a $1 billion stock repurchase program. In this episode:Tom Sosnoff, @tastytradeAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Joe Biden’s $5.8 trillion 2023 federal budget proposes tax hikes on the ultra-wealthy and new rules on corporate buybacks. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) makes the case for reforms to executive pay and for a minimum income tax for billionaires. Meanwhile, CNBC’s Ylan Mui says Republicans on Capitol Hill are pronouncing Biden’s budget dead on arrival. Plus, Dairy Queen is expanding its burger offerings with the new Stackburger line - the biggest menu expansion in two decades.In this episode:Senator Elizabeth Warren, @SenWarrenYlan Mui, @ylanmuiAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Joe Biden’s 2023 federal budget proposes tax hikes on the ultra-wealthy and on corporations while providing billions of dollars in new spending at the Defense and Justice Departments. Joe, Becky, and Andrew digest the proposal, its potential to bolster domestic investment, and plans to reduce the federal deficit. In light of increasing Covid infections, Shanghai began a two-stage lockdown today. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports the lockdown of China’s largest city includes orders to work from home as well as the suspension of public transit and ride hailing. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and CNBC contributor, discusses China’s zero-Covid policy and says Shanghai will have a hard time containing Covid infections. Plus, Axios media reporter, Sara Fischer recaps Sunday’s memorable Oscars ceremony, slaps, streaming wins, and all. In this episode:Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDEunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvSara Fischer, @sarafischerAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen responds to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink’s warning that the end of globalization is nigh. In a wide ranging interview, she weighs the concerns and the benefits of crypto assets, whether we need sanctions on China, and America’s slow journey toward renewable energy. CNBC’s Kayla Tausche reports on NATO’s deal to cut European reliance on Russian oil in Belgium. Plus, March Madness upsets continue, bitcoin is prompting action in the S&P, and Bed Bath & Beyond has struck a deal with activist investor Ryan Cohen. In this episode:Janet Yellen, @SecYellenKayla Tausche, @kaylatauscheAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Larry Fink, CEO and chairman of the world’s biggest asset manager BlackRock, wrote in his annual letter that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is reversing the long-running trend of globalization. Blackrock, which oversees more than $10 trillion, has suspended the purchase of any Russian securities in its active or index portfolios. CNBC’s Kayla Tausche reports from Brussels, Belgium, where President Biden’s and other NATO leaders are meeting to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war. As Covid cases tick upward abroad and begin to tick upward here at home, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel says the drugmaker wants to provide U.S. regulators “flexibility” in determining eligibility for a fourth Covid vaccine dose. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell sits down with Bancel ahead of the company’s vaccine day and discusses the company’s latest data surrounding its Covid-19 vaccine in young kids. Plus, Google has agreed to test letting app developers offer users their own payment systems, starting with Spotify. In this episode:Stephane Bancel, @moderna_txKayla Tausche, @kaylatauscheMeg Tirrell, @megtirrellAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more pressure on Russia as the war appears to be entering a stalemate, and CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the Biden administration’s efforts to safeguard the U.S. against a potential Russian cyberattack. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has suggested the White House form a modern-day ‘Marshall Plan’ to wean the US and Europe off of Russian oil, according to an Axios report. CNBC’s Leslie Picker details Dimon’s perspective and his hopes for a long term plan for transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Plus, Seattle Starbucks baristas have voted to unionize, which sets Howard Schulz up for a busy time as interim CEO. In this episode:Leslie Picker, @LesliePickerEamon Javers, @EamonJaversAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell is taking a tough stance on inflation--a lot tougher than the markets had expected. In an effort to combat rising prices, the central bank head suggested that the next interest rate hike might be higher than the quarter percentage point announced last week. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan explains how the state’s gas-tax pause is helping residents save at the pump. He admits it’s only a temporary solution; a long term fix would be to “increase production here at home so we’re not so reliant on foreign countries for our oil.” Axios media reporter Sara Fischer and Puck News founding partner Matt Belloni weigh in on Disney’s response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill as employees continue to express their discontent with CEO Bob Chapek. CNBC’s Julia Boorstin shares intel on the situation from her sources in media. Plus, Christie’s is offering one of Andy Warhol’s famed Marilyn Monroe portraits for just $200 million. In this episode:Sara Fischer, @sarafischerMatt Belloni, @MattBelloniGov. Larry Hogan, @GovLarryHoganMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Disney’s old guard and new guard are butting heads in the company’s boardroom, and the tensions between Bob Iger and Bob Chapek are getting awkward. As Russian troops continue their assaults in Ukraine, world leaders prepare for a NATO meeting with a singular objective: to stop Vladimir Putin. Former US Ambassador to Nato Ivo Daalder considers the biggest risks to European stability and the best tools to prompt an end to the conflict. In China, Boeing is helping to investigate a 737 plane crash while still rebuilding its reputation after the 737 Max tragedies. Plus, Warren Buffett’s taking Berkshire Hathaway on a shopping spree, and CNBC’s Jabari Young explains the waning luster of March Madness. In this episode:Ivo Daalder, @IvoHDaalderJabari Young, @JabariJYoungKelly Evans, @KellyCNBCMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The markets are on track for their best week since November 2020, despite geopolitical risks continuing to brew abroad. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell reports on the rising Covid-19 cases across Europe, and what experts think that means for the U.S.’s pandemic response. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and CNBC contributor, also breaks down the latest surge, but says the U.S. will not see a major wave of infections as we head into the spring and summer. President Joe Biden signed an executive order last week directing agencies to study cryptocurrencies as well as to come up with a government-wide approach to regulating digital assets. Perianne Boring, Chamber of Digital Commerce founder and president, says the move is a “huge validation” for blockchain. Plus, March Madness has begun! Joe Kernen discusses his not-so-perfect brackets with guest hosts Brian Sullivan and Michael Santoli. In this episode:Perianne Boring, @PerianneDCDr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDMeg Tirrell, @megtirrellBrain Sullivan, @SullyCNBCMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKlaire Odumody, @klairemarie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The markets react to the Fed’s strategy to combat inflation with the first rate hike in over three years. Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Roger Ferguson considers whether six more hikes in 2022 would increase the probability of a U.S. recession, and whether investors are haunted by the last time the Fed tried to fix inflation with big hikes. Plus, President Biden has some sharp words for President Putin, and Netflix might be cracking down on shared accounts. In this episode:Steve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKlaire Odumody, @klairemarie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Starbucks is shaking up its leadership. In an exclusive interview, Starbucks board chair Mellody Hobson discusses Kevin Johnson’s surprise departure from his role as CEO, and she explains the board’s decision to call on founder Howard Schultz to step in. Billionaire investing legend Leon Cooperman weighs his 55 years on Wall Street when managing his portfolio in today’s market. Plus, Ukraine’s President Volodimir Zelensky appeals directly to the US government, and it might be time to put Daylight Savings Time to bed, once and for all. In this episode:Mellody Hobson, @MellodyHobsonJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKlaire Odumody, @klairemarie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chinese tech stocks are under serious pressure as domestic and international regulators heighten scrutiny on Chinese firms and Covid cases prompt lockdowns in Chinese manufacturing facilities and port cities. Meanwhile, Russia denies that the Kremlin asked Beijing for military support and for aid in avoiding Western sanctions as it wages war in Ukraine, and Chinese officials deny that they signaled being open to Russia’s request. After a 7-hour, “intense” talk between U.S. and Chinese officials about the conflict, the world still has little clarity on China’s stance. Here at home, the White House is rolling out a new program to ease supply chain congestion; Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg explains the strategy and the impact of infrastructure investment on inflation. Plus, global investors are weighing the risk of Russia defaulting on its debt, and on Equal Pay Day, the gender pay gap is just as present as ever. In this episode:Sec. Pete Buttigieg, @SecretaryPeteEunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKlaire Odumody, @klairemarie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

China’s Covid cases are now the highest they’ve been since the beginning of the pandemic. Domestically, the country is addressing health concerns by halting business and production while simultaneously cracking down on its biggest tech stocks. Internationally, Chinese leaders are meeting with U.S. officials to discuss China’s role in Russia’s war on Ukraine. CNBC’s Kayla Tausche reports on the latest attacks in Ukraine and the week’s negotiation agenda for global powers. Two years after the WHO declared the coronavirus a global pandemic, Dr. Scott Gottlieb reflects on the long road since then, and considers global risks of a resurgence. Plus, the NFL’s shortest retirement: Tom Brady is heading back to the field less than two months after announcing his departure. In this episode:Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDKayla Tausche, @kaylatauscheSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two years after the WHO declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, CNBC’s Meg Tirrell reflects on how far we’ve come, in a conversation exclusive to Squawk Pod. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla traces our progress from manufacturing the first vaccine to battling various strains as they evolve. Bourla maps out the annual vaccinations on our road still ahead. In Eastern Europe Vladimir Putin has referred to “positive shifts” in Russia’s talks with Ukraine, giving the global markets hope for an imminent end to the conflict, although many doubt the veracity of his comments. In the meantime, the U.S. Senate has passed a $1.5 trillion spending bill that includes aid for Ukraine. Plus, the MLB is back and ready to play ball. In this episode:Albert Bourla, @AlbertBourlaMeg Tirrell, @megtirrellJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Efforts at diplomacy between Russia and Ukraine have so far been unproductive, and foreign leaders including Vice President Kamala Harris and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are now in Poland to facilitate talks and support Ukraine. The conflict has affected American gas prices, and Operation Hope CEO John Hope Bryant discusses impacts on consumer wallets and on corporate strategies. In the wake of Microsoft’s deal to buy Activision Blizzard, the SEC is investigating concerns of insider trading that took place before the deal was announced; entertainment mogul Barry Diller strongly insists that he, his stepson Alex von Furstenberg, and fellow mogul David Geffen made “a lucky bet” on Activision Blizzard, and that the transactions were legal. President Biden’s executive order to examine cryptocurrencies prompted a bounce in bitcoin prices, and United Airlines is allowing some unvaccinated workers to return to their jobs later this month. Plus, one health insurer is considering a rebrand, and Amazon’s stock split might shake up the Dow. In this episode:John Hope Bryant, @johnhopebryantJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following over 300 other western companies, McDonald’s has temporarily closed its restaurants in Russia while Vladimir Putin continues his war in Ukraine. CNBC’s Steve Liesman, a founding business editor of The Moscow Times and a former reporter for The Wall Street Journal in Russia, recalls the first Russian McDonald’s and what it symbolized for a nation once cut off from the western world. In conversations exclusive to Squawk Pod, he and fellow reporter Diana Olick, a former student in the Soviet Union, discuss the once “insatiable” Russian appetite for all things American, and the direction in which Putin is now steering his people. Plus, The New York Times columnist Tom Friedman considers China’s current power dynamic, as President Xi “tap dances” between supporting its ally Russia and remaining neutral, in case Putin loses his war. In this episode:Tom Friedman, @tomfriedmanDiana Olick, @DianaOlickSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest international response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. will ban imports of Russian oil. As the conflict escalates, global oil prices are skyrocketing, and Again Capital’s John Kilduff points out that oil price spikes have historically preceded recessions. Global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets Helima Croft traces the ripple effects of the invasion through the global oil markets to gas pumps and the White House. CNBC’s Ylan Mui reports on congressional support for American sanctions on Russia, despite the cost for stateside consumers. Plus, the NFL has suspended Calvin Ridley for betting on games. In this episode:Helima Croft, @CroftHelimaJohn Kilduff, @KilduffReportYlan Mui, @ylanmuiJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickZach Vallese, @zachvallese Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. and its allies are considering banning Russian oil and natural gas imports in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Daniel Yergin, S&P Global vice chairman, discusses oil and surging gas prices ahead of the 40th annual CERAWeek energy conference. NBC’s Molly Hunter reports that Russian and Ukrainian officials are working on a humanitarian corridor for evacuations, but no deal has been reached yet. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy discusses the state’s decision to end its Covid-19 mask mandate in schools starting Monday. Plus, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has a $5B stake in Occidental Petroleum and Batman soars in the biggest box office debut of 2022. In this episode:Daniel Yergin, @DanielYerginGovernor Phil Murphy, @GovMurphyBrian Sullivan, @SullyCNBCMolly Hunter, @mollymhunterJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickZach Vallese, @zachvallese Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the Russian military fired on and seized control of Europe’s largest nuclear plant in Ukraine, retired U.S. army colonel and a Medal of Honor recipient Jack Jacobs discusses Vladimir Putin’s military strategy, as well as the war’s most likely outcome. CNBC’s Robert Frank details the sanctions levied on dozens of Russian oligarchs, and author Ben Mezrich reflects on his experience yachting and clubbing with the Russian oligarchs who put Putin in power. Mezrich has written about Russian and bitcoin billionaires, and considers whether crypto is the currency of choice for the country’s elite. In this episode:Jack Jacobs, @ColJackJacobsBen Mezrich, @benmezrichRobert Frank, @robtfrankJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Biden administration has unveiled a new plan for the ongoing pandemic, continuing production of vaccines and tests to minimize disruptions in the face of any new waves of infection. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses U.S. preparedness and the likelihood of new strains emerging in the fall. A week into Russia’s war in Ukraine, CNBC’s Kayla Tausche reports that over 2,000 civilians, and over 6,000 Russian troops have died. Plus, Peloton co-founder and ex-CEO John Foley has sold off $50 million in PTON stock, and the company is gearing up for big changes led by its new CEO, ex-Netflix executive Barry McCarthy. In this episode: Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Kayla Tausche, @kaylatausche Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Famed value investor Bill Miller of Miller Value Partners joins Ariel Investments co-CEO Mellody Hobson to share investment advice as war abroad escalates and inflation at home rises. Some of Miller’s biggest positions are in Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta, and he says, Meta stock is cheap, and the case for bitcoin is strong. Hobson says value investors are enthusiastic about leisure and entertainment stocks, like hotels and casinos. Joe, Becky, and Andrew break down President Biden’s first State of the Union address and consider Russia’s implication for the oil markets and America’s tolerance for more inflation. Plus, Elon Musk noticed he and Tesla were missing from the President’s speech; the Squawk team considers how the two might repair their relationship. In this episode: Bill Miller, @B3_MillerValue Mellody Hobson, @MellodyHobson Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Western world’s sanctions pile onto Russia, CNBC’s Steve Liesman considers the effect they’ll really have for the Russian economy and the Russian people. Speaking from his experience as a journalist in Moscow, Liesman explains the Russian government’s relationship to its citizens and the country’s difficult financial history. Meanwhile, U.S. corporations including Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. are taking a stand for Ukraine, and Airbnb is helping to coordinate housing for refugees. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky discusses the cost and the capacity to serve the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing violence. Plus, tennis champion Serena Williams’s venture capital firm Serena Ventures has raised $111 for its inaugural fund. She and General Partner Alison Stillman discuss the importance of representation in venture capital and investing in diverse perspectives. In this episode:Serena Williams, @serenawilliamsBrian Chesky, @bcheskySteve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bill Daley, vice chairman of public affairs at Wells Fargo and former chief of staff in the Obama administration, discusses new sanctions against Russia, including the move to block some access to the SWIFT international payment system. CNBC’s Kayla Tausche breaks down the latest moves from the U.S. Treasury Department against Russia, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on the swath of new sanctions from Western nations against Russian elites, and Eunice Yoon reports from Beijing, where China is struggling to remain neutral over Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Plus, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is due to testify before Congress on Wednesday and Thursday for the central bank’s semiannual monetary policy report to lawmakers. Investors will be watching the testimonies closely for any indication on how the Russia-Ukraine crisis may affect the Fed’s plans for raising interest rates and tightening monetary policy more broadly.In this episode:Bill Daley, @WellsFargoKayla Tausche, @kaylatauscheRobert Frank, @robtfrankEunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Russia bombards Ukraine and advances on Kyiv, and Western powers consider deterrence strategies, market swings match changes in the power dynamic. After a call between China’s President Xi and Russia’s President Putin, Russian news outlets reported that Russia would be willing to start talks with Ukraine at a meeting in Minsk. Niall Ferguson, renowned historian, Hoover Institution senior fellow and founder of Greenmantle, discusses Europe’s reliance on Russia’s oil and gas. As investors seek safe haven amid international conflict, crypto bull Anthony Pompliano considers whether bitcoin counts as “digital gold,” or a safe hedge in times of uncertainty. Plus, the Musk brothers are still in hot water with the SEC. In this episode:Anthony Pompliano, @APomplianoNiall Ferguson, @nfergusJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Russia has launched an invasion of its neighbor Ukraine, with military assaults on several key Ukrainian cities including its capital, Kyiv. City officials said the offensive has already killed dozens of soldiers and several civilians. Jack Jacobs, retired U.S. army colonel and a Medal of Honor recipient, discusses global deterrence strategy and says, "It is a war, there's no doubt about it." CNBC’s Kayla Tausche reports on how the White House is reacting to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, NBC’s Matt Bradley is on the ground in Moscow, and Eunice Yoon reports from Beijing, where China has refused to call the Russian attack on Ukraine an ‘invasion.’ Kyle Bass, founder and CIO of the global events-focused hedge fund Hayman Capital Management, discusses Russia’s relationship with China and what this could mean for the future of Taiwan. Plus, CNBC’s Dominic Chu tracks the market’s response to Russia’s aggression, eyeing wheat and oil prices and considering a war’s impact on inflation. In this episode:Jack Jacobs, @ColJackJacobsKyle Bass, @JkylebassKayla Tausche, @kaylatauscheEunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvDom Chu, @TheDominoJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Stacey Abrams discusses her new book, “Level Up: Rise Above the Hidden Forces Holding Your Business Back,” and shares her plan for bolstering small businesses across the country. In a wide-ranging conversation, Abrams covers Congressional fundraising, voting rights, and the state of the Democratic Party. As Russia appears poised for further invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. is imposing economic sanctions on the country in hopes of determent. CNBC’s Kayla Tausche reports on the nature of the sanctions, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo explains how the U.S. and its allies may help show President Putin all that’s at stake for his country, should he persist. Plus, Elon Musk is airing his frustration with the Biden administration, more truckers are airing their frustrations with vaccine mandates and inflation, and Covid cases have plummeted over 90% in just five weeks. In this episode:Stacey Abrams, @staceyabramsWally Adeyemo, @wallyadeyemoKayla Tausche, @kaylatauscheJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine after announcing Monday evening that he would recognize their independence. NBC’s Matt Bradley reports from Kiev on the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as international implications for China and responses from the EU, UN, and NATO. Marriott CEO Tony Capuano discusses the rebound in leisure travel and the impact of Covid-19 on its business. Home Depot reported a strong fiscal fourth quarter and projected more growth ahead for 2022, but some investors wonder if home improvement’s hot streak will cool as inflation rises and pandemic concerns wane. Plus, Credit Suisse is weathering a dramatic data leak, and Elon Musk is still squabbling with the SEC. Happy Margarita Day!!In this episode:Tony Capuano, @MarriottMatt Bradley, @MattMcBradleyJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Warren Buffett is setting the record straight after The Wall Street Journal insinuated that Berkshire Hathaway might have had inside information on the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal that informed his own timely ATVI buy. Buffett said the stock buys were made by “one of the two investment managers who operate independently of me at Berkshire” – a reference to Berkshire investors Ted Weschler and Todd Combs – and were completed long before the acquisition was announced. Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO and the company’s largest shareholder, discusses the Activision Blizzard deal, investing--or not investing--in the metaverse, inflation, and the markets. As founder of the non-partisan, nonprofit data organization USA Facts, Ballmer shares data on the US population amid the pandemic, as well as misinformation. The Ukraine-Russia crisis entered a tense new day, as reports indicated there were new outbreaks of violence and ceasefire violations. Plus, happy fry-day!In this episode:Steve Ballmer, @Steven_BallmerJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ongoing tension at the Russia-Ukraine border continues to impact market sentiment. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations says the conflict has reached a “crucial moment” and that Russia is moving toward “an imminent invasion.” Senate Republicans are blocking votes on President Joe Biden’s five nominees for the Federal Reserve Board, creating an impasse while the central bank is under increasing pressure to combat inflation. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND.), discusses delaying the vote and why he has particular ethical concerns for nominee Sarah Bloom Raskin. Jennifer Sey, former Levi’s Brand president, discusses how publicizing her personal views created problems for her career, and whether it’s happening to other employees across the country. Plus, there are big changes at the FAA and some tech stocks are beginning to lose their luster.In this episode:Sen. Kevin Cramer, @SenKevinCramerJennifer Sey, @JenniferSeyJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinPhil LeBeau, @LebeaucarnewsKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.