Squawk Pod: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell – October 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise briefing on five major business stories shaping the markets before trading starts on October 22, 2025. Host Becky Quick provides updates and context on labor and immigration policy at Walmart, earnings reports from major banks, luxury market shifts, and executive compensation news — giving listeners a fast, insightful preview of the day’s top corporate headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Walmart Pauses H1B Hiring

• Main Point: Walmart, one of America’s largest employers of H1B visa holders, is temporarily pausing the hiring of candidates requiring H1B worker visas.
• Reason: This decision follows a new $100,000 fee President Trump imposed on H1B applications last month.
• Official Statement: Walmart emphasized its commitment to hiring quality talent while being “thoughtful” about its approach to H1B hires.
• Significance: This move puts a spotlight on the broader impact of U.S. immigration policy changes on corporate hiring, particularly within large multinational businesses.
• Notable Quote: “Walmart is committed to hiring and investing in the best talent to serve our customers while remaining thoughtful about our H1B hiring approach.” – Walmart spokesperson (01:02)

2. Barclays Raises Guidance and Announces Buyback

• Main Point: British banking giant Barclays raised its financial guidance and announced a £500 million share buyback program.
• Market Reaction: Barclays’ stock responded positively, rising 4.5% in early trading.
• Significance: The announcement suggests confidence in future earnings and aims to return value to shareholders.

3. Western Alliance Beats Profit Expectations

• Main Point: U.S. regional bank Western Alliance reported profits up more than 27% year over year.
• Investor Reassurance: The bank addressed concerns regarding an alleged real estate fraud tie, clarifying that the incident did not impact overall performance.
• Market Reaction: Western Alliance shares climbed 2.8%.
• Notable Quote: “[The bank] reassuring investors an alleged fraud tied to a real estate investor group did not hurt the bank's overall performance...” (01:28)

4. LVMH May Sell Stake in Fenty Beauty

• Main Point: Luxury conglomerate LVMH is reportedly considering a sale of its 50% stake in Fenty Beauty, the cosmetics brand it co-owns with Rihanna, according to Bloomberg.
• Industry Impact: Such a move would mark a significant shift in the luxury beauty sector, potentially affecting both LVMH’s portfolio and Fenty’s market trajectory.

5. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s Compensation Soars

• Main Point: Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, received a 22% pay increase for fiscal 2025—bringing his total compensation above $96 million, primarily through stock awards.
• Reason: The raise reflects Microsoft’s ongoing stock market rally and Nadella’s central role in driving the company’s success.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Walmart is pausing hiring of candidates that require H1B worker visas... President Trump hit applications with a new $100,000 fee last month.” – Becky Quick (00:51)
• “Barclays raising guidance and announcing a 500 million million pound share buyback. That stock up by 4 and a half percent.” – Becky Quick (01:14)
• “Regional bank Western Alliance... reporting a more than 27% increase in profits year over year...” – Becky Quick (01:21)
• “Luxury giant LVMH is exploring a sale of its 50% stake in Fenty Beauty, which it co owns with Grammy Award winning winning singer Rihanna.” – Becky Quick (01:33)
• “Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella getting a big pay bump as the company's stock continues to rally. Nadella's pay for fiscal 2025 climbing 22% to more than $96 million...” – Becky Quick (01:39)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Walmart & H1B Policy Update: 00:51 – 01:11
• Barclays Guidance & Buyback: 01:12 – 01:20
• Western Alliance Profit Report: 01:21 – 01:29
• LVMH/Fenty Beauty Stake Sale: 01:30 – 01:37
• Microsoft/Nadella Compensation: 01:38 – 01:45

Episode Takeaways

• U.S. immigration policy continues to shape corporate hiring strategies.
• Major banks are showing resilience and rewarding shareholders.
• The luxury sector is in flux, with high-profile partnerships under review.
• Executive pay closely tracks performance in tech’s top echelon.

This breakdown offers a focused, high-impact overview of what investors and professionals need to know heading into the trading day.