Summary3 min read

Squawk Pod – 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 10/24/2025

Host: Becky Quick (CNBC)
Date: October 24, 2025

Episode Overview

In this brisk, information-packed episode, Becky Quick delivers the five essential stories that will shape the trading day, straight from CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” The episode quickly covers urgent market headlines—including earnings, macroeconomic developments, and major corporate moves—equipping listeners with the need-to-know facts before markets open. The focus is on earnings results from key companies, the ongoing government shutdown, and significant job cuts in the tech sector.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Government Shutdown Reaches Day 24

Summary:
The federal government shutdown has now entered its 24th day. Many federal employees are missing their first full paycheck since the shutdown began.
Economic Impact:
The ongoing shutdown raises concerns about consumer spending and general economic stability, as workers across agencies face immediate financial pressure.
Quote:

"Many federal employees are expected to miss their first full paycheck since the shutdown began."
(Becky Quick, 00:16)

2. Intel Returns to Profitability

Summary:
Intel (INTC) shares are surging after the company returned to profitability in the most recent quarter.
- Revenue: $13.6 billion (beating $13.1 billion estimates)
- Guidance: Fourth quarter outlook roughly in line with expectations
- Stock Move: +7.7%
Market Take:
Investors are reacting positively, as the results suggest Intel's turnaround efforts are gaining traction.
Quote:

“Shares of Intel are rising, the company returning to profitability in its most recent quarter… That stock is up big by 7.7%.”
(Becky Quick, 00:25)

3. Ford Earnings Beat, But Guidance Lowered

Summary:
Ford (F) posts better-than-expected earnings, but lowers its full-year guidance due to a supplier fire impacting production of large trucks and SUVs.
- CEO Jim Farley remains optimistic about recovery next year.
- Stock Move: +3%
Industry Context:
Production setbacks demonstrate the fragility of supply chains but Ford expects to bounce back.
Quote:

“Jim Farley did say they think they'll make it up next year when things are back up and running and back online… That stock right now up by about 3%.”
(Becky Quick, 00:40)

4. Deckers Outdoor Tumbles Despite Beating Estimates

Summary:
Deckers Outdoor (DECK), parent company of Hoka and Ugg, reported earnings and revenue that beat estimates. Yet, the company's revenue forecast disappointed due to expected consumer caution.
- Stock Move: -11.25%
Analysis:
Even companies beating on headline numbers can face sharp sell-offs if forward-looking guidance underwhelms.
Quote:

“The company sees more consumer caution ahead and as a result, that stock is off by 11 and a quarter percent.”
(Becky Quick, 01:02)

5. Applied Materials Announces Major Job Cuts

Summary:
Chip maker Applied Materials is reducing its workforce by 4%, axing about 1,400 jobs.
- Cited reasons: Automation and geographic shifts
Broader Trend:
Reflects ongoing restructuring and technological automation trends across the semiconductor industry.
Quote:

“The chip maker says the cuts are a result of automation and geographic shifts.”
(Becky Quick, 01:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the market’s tone:

“...we’ll be back later today with Squawk Pod, our daily podcast featuring the best of Squawk Box. Stay tuned to your feed wherever you get your podcasts and listen anytime.”
(Becky Quick, 01:22)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:16 | Government shutdown and worker impact | | 00:25 | Intel earnings and stock reaction | | 00:40 | Ford’s earnings, production issues, and guidance | | 01:02 | Deckers Outdoor’s disappointing guidance | | 01:15 | Applied Materials layoffs |

Takeaway

This tightly-focused episode distills the day’s actionable pre-market stories for investors—from the ripple effects of the prolonged government shutdown to pivotal corporate earnings that are setting the tone for Wall Street’s open. Becky Quick’s delivery ensures listeners understand the day’s biggest opportunities and risks in just a few minutes.

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This episode is brought to you by Schwab Market Update, an original podcast from Charles Schwab. Join host Keith Lansford for this information packed daily market Preview delivered in 10 minutes or less, including projected stock updates, monetary policy decisions and key results and statistics that may impact your trading. Download the latest episode and subscribe@schwab.com MarketUpdatePodcast or find Schwab Market Update wherever you get your podcasts ever spend $200 on a fragrance only to realize you hate it? Micro Perfumes fixes that. Now you can try luxury scents without the luxury price. Pick from real designer fragrances like Gucci, Chanel and Versace. It's the real deal. Authentic scents starting at just a few bucks. They come in sleek travel sprays, ship fast, and there's no subscription required. Why gamble on a full bottle? Go to microperfumes.com podcast for up to 60% off. That's microperfumes.com podcast for free up to 60% off hi, I'm Becky Quick, co host of Squawk Box, and this is five things you need to know before today's opening bell. An update on the government shutdown now on Day 24 today, many federal employees are expected to miss their first full paycheck since the shutdown began. Shares of intel are rising, the company returning to profitability in its most recent quarter, revenue of $13.6 billion, beating estimates of $13.1 billion. Fourth quarter guidance was roughly in line with expectations. That stock is up big by 7.7%. In the meantime, shares of Ford Motor are also higher, the company's earnings beating estimates. But it's lowered its full year guidance because of the impact of a supplier fire, which is disrupting production of its large trucks and SUVs. Jim Farley did say they think they'll make it up next year when things are back up and running and back online. They that stock right now up by about 3%. Shares of Deckers Outdoor are sharply lower, the maker of Hoka and Ugg shoes reporting earnings and revenue that beat estimates. But the revenue forecast came in lower than expected and the company sees more consumer caution ahead and as a result, that stock is off by 11 and a quarter percent. Applied Materials is cutting 4% of its workforce, or about 1400 jobs. The chip maker says the cuts are a result of automation and geographic shifts. 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. Trading at Schwab is powered by Ameritrade, giving you even more specialized support than ever before, like access to the trade desk. Our team of passionate traders ready to tackle anything from the most complex trading questions to a simple strategy. Gut check. Need assistance? No problem. Get 24. 7 professional answers and live help and access support by phone, email and in platform chat. That's how Schwab is here for you to help you trade brilliantly. Learn more@schwab.com trading.