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.