Squawk Pod: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell – January 12, 2026

Podcast: Squawk Pod
Host: Andrew Ross Sorkin (CNBC)
Episode: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell
Date: January 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the five most crucial developments you need to know before the markets open. CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin delivers a brisk rundown of major policy moves, headline-making deals, and technological milestones—all poised to impact Wall Street and beyond. The focus is on Fed independence dramas, big strategic acquisitions, healthcare industry scrutiny, retail-tech partnerships, and a major expansion for SpaceX’s global satellite network.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House vs. Fed Chair Jay Powell – Threat of Indictment

• The White House is reportedly threatening to indict Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell.

  • Triggered by: Comments Powell made to Congress regarding a renovation project at the Fed.
  • Powell’s response: A video statement framing the indictment threat as "an assault on the Fed's independence".

  Notable Quote
  “Powell framed the move as an assault on the Fed’s independence.”
  — Andrew Sorkin [01:07]

2. Allegiant Acquires Sun Country Airlines

• Allegiant, a low-cost airline, is acquiring Sun Country Airlines.

  • Deal value: $1.1 billion in a combined cash and stock transaction.
  • Significance: Signals continued consolidation in the airline sector, as carriers adapt to changing travel demand and economic pressure.

  Mention:
  “Low cost airline Allegiant acquiring Sun Country Airlines in a $1.1 billion cash and stock deal.”
  — Andrew Sorkin [01:17]

3. Senate Committee Probes UnitedHealth's Medicare Practices

• A Senate committee is investigating UnitedHealth's business tactics.

  • Allegation: The company used aggressive strategies to collect higher payments by inflating diagnoses for its Medicare Advantage members.
  • Source: Wall Street Journal report on the investigation’s findings.
  • Broader impact: UnitedHealth is currently facing multiple probes into its Medicare Advantage practices, emphasizing industry-wide regulatory scrutiny.

  Notable Quote
  “The Senate Investigation found that UnitedHealth turned risk adjustments into a business, which was not the original intent.”
  — Andrew Sorkin [01:27]

4. Walmart & Google Launch AI Shopping Program

• New tech-retail partnership: Walmart and Google collaborate on an AI-driven shopping initiative.

  • Details: Customers can use Google’s AI Assistant, Gemini, to search and buy products from Walmart and Sam’s Club.
  • Implication: Another major step in integrating artificial intelligence with mainstream e-commerce and retail.

  Mention:
  “Customers will be able to use AI Assistant Gemini to discover and buy products from Walmart and Sam’s Club as well.”
  — Andrew Sorkin [01:39]

5. SpaceX Gains FCC Approval for 7,500 More Starlink Satellites

• The FCC has approved SpaceX’s request to launch up to 7,500 additional Starlink satellites.

  • New global total: Up to 15,000 satellites in the sky, reinforcing SpaceX’s lead in building a worldwide satellite internet constellation.
  • Market impact: Underscores the accelerating race in satellite-based broadband and global communications infrastructure.

  Mention:
  “That’ll bring its total to 15,000 satellites in the skies worldwide.”
  — Andrew Sorkin [01:49]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Indictment of a Fed Chair as a Threat:

  • “Powell framed the move as an assault on the Fed’s independence.” ([01:07])

• UnitedHealth Probe Highlights Industry Tensions:

  • “The Senate Investigation found that UnitedHealth turned risk adjustments into a business, which was not the original intent.” ([01:27])

• Retail Embraces AI:

  • “Customers will be able to use AI Assistant Gemini to discover and buy products from Walmart and Sam’s Club as well.” ([01:39])

Important Timestamps

• [01:00] — Introduction of the five biggest market-moving stories before the bell.
• [01:07] — White House-Fed confrontation over Jay Powell.
• [01:17] — Allegiant announces Sun Country Airlines acquisition.
• [01:27] — UnitedHealth under Senate investigation.
• [01:39] — Walmart and Google unveil AI shopping partnership.
• [01:49] — SpaceX approved for 7,500 more Starlink satellites.

Summary

In this fast-paced edition of Squawk Pod’s morning briefing, Andrew Sorkin highlights upheaval at the top of U.S. financial policy, major airline industry consolidation, mounting healthcare regulatory pressure, the next leap in AI-powered retail, and SpaceX’s ambitious satellite expansion. The tone is direct, news-focused, and brisk—essential listening for anyone needing a quick yet comprehensive market update before the open.