Summary4 min read

Squawk Pod – 5 Things to Know Ahead of the Opening Bell (March 11, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this concise episode, co-host Becky Quick delivers a quick-fire update on the top business news stories poised to impact markets ahead of the trading day's open. The episode highlights major developments including Chevron and Shell's ventures in Venezuela, a shakeup in Disney's leadership, new tech policy on Capitol Hill, travel facilitation with the Global Entry program, and a closely watched tech IPO out of Japan.
Host: Becky Quick
Date: March 11, 2026

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Oil Giants Chevron & Shell Eye Venezuela (00:52)

Story: Chevron and Shell are reportedly approaching major production deals in Venezuela—significant as these would be the first such agreements since the U.S. seized control following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January.
Impact: These deals signal a potential opening of new oil flows, reflecting both corporate and geopolitical shifts following U.S. intervention.
- Quote:
  "Chevron and Shell are reportedly nearing the first big production deals with Venezuela since the United States captured the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, back in January."
  — Becky Quick (00:52)

2. Disney: Leadership Shift with New CEO & Parks Chair (01:08)

Story: Disney has named the president of its Disneyland Resort, Thomas Mazloom, as the next chair of its division overseeing theme parks, cruise ships, resort hotels, and consumer products.
Context: Mazloom replaces Josh D’Amaro, who ascends to the role of Disney CEO next week—suggesting significant strategic change at the upper management level.
- Quote:
  "Thomas Masloom will succeed Josh d'Amaro, who takes over as Disney CEO next week."
  — Becky Quick (01:15)

3. U.S. Senate Staff Cleared for AI Chatbot Use (01:28)

Story: Senate aides now have official approval to use three AI chatbots—Google’s Gemini Chat, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Microsoft’s Copilot—for work tasks.
Significance: This marks a notable policy step legitimizing the integration of generative AI in government operations for productivity and research.
- Quote:
  "Senate aides have reportedly been given approval to use three AI chatbots for official work."
  — Becky Quick (01:28)

4. Trump Administration Restarts Global Entry (01:44)

Story: After a pause caused by the partial government shutdown, the Trump administration is relaunching the Global Entry program, which expedites reentry for American travelers from abroad.
Travel Implications: The move restores easier border crossing for frequent international travelers.
- Quote:
  "Global Entry allows American citizens expedited processing when they return to the United States from Abroad, and the IPO of SoftBank's Japanese payment app PayPay is expected to price near the low end..."
  — Becky Quick (01:47)

5. SoftBank’s PayPay IPO Eyes NASDAQ Debut (01:52)

Story: SoftBank’s Japanese payment platform PayPay approaches a stock market debut, pricing likely at the lower end ($17–$20/share); to list on NASDAQ under the ticker PAY.
Market Impact: Significant for both fintech innovation and broader Asian tech investment.
- Quote:
  "The IPO of SoftBank's Japanese payment app PayPay is expected to price near the low end of its marketing range of 17 to $20 a share...PayPay plans to list on the NASDAQ under the symbol pay."
  — Becky Quick (01:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"Chevron and Shell are reportedly nearing the first big production deals with Venezuela since the United States captured the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, back in January."
— Becky Quick (00:52)
"Thomas Masloom will succeed Josh d'Amaro, who takes over as Disney CEO next week."
— Becky Quick (01:15)
"Senate aides have reportedly been given approval to use three AI chatbots for official work."
— Becky Quick (01:28)
"Global Entry allows American citizens expedited processing when they return to the United States from abroad..."
— Becky Quick (01:47)
"...the IPO of SoftBank's Japanese payment app PayPay is expected to price near the low end..."
— Becky Quick (01:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Chevron & Shell in Venezuela: 00:52
Disney Leadership Changes: 01:08
Senate AI Chatbot Approval: 01:28
Restart of Global Entry Program: 01:44
SoftBank’s PayPay IPO Heads to NASDAQ: 01:52

Tone & Style

Delivered in Becky Quick’s signature brisk, informative style, each item is concise but clear, providing the scannable news updates listeners expect for a fast-moving market day.

Summary Takeaway

For listeners needing a rapid yet comprehensive pre-market news briefing, this episode delivers the actionable highlights shaping the news cycle—from global oil and tech policy to travel and the IPO market, ensuring you start your trading day fully informed.

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Transcript4 lines

[00:00]
A
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[00:29]
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at the register before AT&T business Wire. Checking out customers on our mobile POS systems took too long. Basically a staring contest where everyone loses. It's crazy what people say during an awkward silence. Now transactions are done before the silence takes hold. That means I can focus on the task at hand and make an extra sail or two. Sometimes I do miss the bonding time.
[00:52]
C
Sometimes AT&T business Wireless connecting changes everything. Hi, I'm Becky Quick, co host of Squawk Box, and this is five things you need to know before today's opening bell. Chevron and Shell are reportedly nearing the first big production deals with Venezuela since the United States captured the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, back in January. Disney naming the president of its Disneyland resort the next chair of the company's division, overseeing theme parks, cruise ships, resort hotels and consumer products. Thomas Masloom will succeed Josh d', Amaro, who takes over as Disney CEO next week. Senate aides have reportedly been given approval to use three AI chatbots for official work. The New York Times says that the list consists of Google's Gemini Chat, OpenAI's ChatGPT, and Microsoft's Copilot. And the Trump administration is restarting the Global Entry program today, weeks after it paused that program because of the partial government shutdown. Global Entry allows American citizens expedited processing when they return to the United States from Abroad, and the IPO of SoftBank's Japanese payment app PayPay is expected to price near the low end of its marketing range of 17 to $20 a share. Reuters says that pricing will be finalized after the closing bell. Pepe plans to list on the NASDAQ under the symbol pay. Pizza Pizza Pepe JoJo we'll be back later today with Squawk Pod, our daily podcast featuring the best of Squawkbox. Stay tuned to your feed wherever you get your podcasts, and listen anytime.
[02:38]
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Martha listens to her favorite band all the time. In the car, gym, even sleeping. So when they finally went on tour, Martha bundled her flight and hotel on Expedia to see them live. She saved so much. She got to see close enough to actually see and hear them, sort of. You were made to scream from the front row. We were made to quietly save you. More Expedia made to travel Savings vary and subject to availability. Flight inclusive packages are atoll protected.