5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 1/14/2026

Summary

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Squawk Pod: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 1/14/2026

Podcast: Squawk Pod
Host: Becky Quick (CNBC)
Date: January 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

This brief morning episode delivers a rapid-fire update on major headlines likely to impact markets as the trading day begins. Becky Quick highlights five top stories, ranging from a high-profile retail bankruptcy to breaking international market news and a tech acquisition buzz. The episode showcases Squawk Box’s signature style: concise analysis, actionable details, and insight into what’s moving the day’s financial conversation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Saks Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

[01:05]

• The parent company of luxury department store Saks has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
• Saks Global has secured about $1.75 billion in financing to stabilize operations.
• Stores will remain open for now during the restructuring process.
• A leadership shake-up is underway: a new CEO will replace Richard Baker.

Quote:
“The parent company of luxury department store Saks filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Saks Global says that it secured about $1.75 billion in financing and stores would remain open for now.”
— Becky Quick [01:05]

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2. Coca Cola Cancels Costa Coffee Sale

[01:18]

• Coca Cola has abandoned plans to sell its Costa Coffee chain.
• The Financial Times reports that private equity offers didn’t meet expectations.
• The strategic decision suggests the coffee market’s valuation remains challenging, even for big brands.

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3. Tesla Alters Full Self-Driving Sales

[01:26]

• Elon Musk, via an early morning X (formerly Twitter) post, announced Tesla will stop selling its Full Self Driving (FSD) features outright in a month.
• After February 14th, FSD will only be available as a monthly subscription and not for purchase.
• This marks a significant shift in Tesla’s software sales strategy.

Quote:
“Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying that the EV maker will stop selling its full self driving features in a month. In an early morning X post, Musk said the software will only be available as a monthly subscription after February 14th.”
— Becky Quick [01:26]

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4. Japanese Stocks Hit Record Highs on Election Speculation

[01:40]

• Japanese equities rallied to all-time highs amid speculation about a snap election next month.
• The current, notably popular, Prime Minister is expected to launch policies that stimulate the Japanese economy, fueling investor optimism.

Quote:
“Japanese stocks hitting record highs today on expectations that the country’s popular prime minister could call for a snap election next month.”
— Becky Quick [01:40]

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5. Cerebra Systems in Funding Talks

[01:52]

• Reports suggest AI chipmaker Cerebra Systems is in talks to raise about $1 billion in a new funding round.
• If successful, this would value the firm at approximately $22 billion, illustrating continued high investor appetite for AI and semiconductor innovation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tesla's sales shift:
  “The software will only be available as a monthly subscription after February 14th.”
  — Becky Quick [01:29]

• On the momentum in Japanese markets:
  “Investors believe she would call for policies that stimulate the Japanese economy.”
  — Becky Quick [01:44]

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:02] — Episode content begins; Becky Quick introduces the five headlines.
• [01:05] — Saks bankruptcy and leadership change.
• [01:18] — Coca-Cola’s Costa Coffee sale scrapped.
• [01:26] — Tesla’s FSD policy shift.
• [01:40] — Japanese stock rally and election speculation.
• [01:52] — Cerebra Systems AI chip funding news.

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Tone and Takeaways

• Direct, insightful, and swift: Becky Quick delivers critical news with the urgency and authority investment professionals expect at the start of the day.
• Focus on what moves markets: The headlines touch on retail restructuring, global tech shifts, and major market surges.

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Conclusion

For those looking to stay ahead of market-moving headlines, this episode of Squawk Pod provides a crisp, insightful rundown of the morning’s must-know business news. Each item is paired with essential detail and delivered in Squawk’s signature, no-nonsense style.

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Transcript

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[Becky Quick]

Hi, I'm Becky Quick, co host of Squawkbox. And this is five things you need to know before today's opening bell. The parent company of luxury department store Saks filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Saks Global says that it secured about $1.75 billion in financing and stores would remain open for now. It also says that it's bringing in a new CEO to replace Richard Baker. Coca Cola is scrapping plans to sell its Costa Coffee chain. The Financial Times reporting offers from private equity firms were below expectations. Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying that the EV maker will stop selling its full self driving features in a month. In an early morning X post, Musk said the software will only be available as a monthly subscription after February 14th. And Japanese stocks hitting record highs today on expectations that the country's popular prime minister could call for a snap election next month. Investors believe she would call for policies that stimulate the Japanese economy. Finally, reports say that AI chip company Cerebra Systems is in talks to raise about $1 billion in new funding rounds that would value the company at about $22 billion. 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. Hey Fidelity, can I get a second opinion on stocks in the Fidelity app?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Becky Quick]

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[Becky Quick]

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