5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 12/1/2025 - Squawk Pod

Squawk Pod – "5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell" (12/1/2025)

Podcast: Squawk Pod by CNBC
Host: Joe Kernen
Date: December 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Squawk Pod delivers a concise rundown of the top five business and market stories to watch as the trading day opens on December 1, 2025. Hosted by Joe Kernen, it features fast-paced coverage of major news in U.S. monetary policy, box office records, a major international data breach, unicorn fundraising, and a notable corporate divestiture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fed Chair Succession: Trump’s Pick Looms

[01:08] Joe Kernen announces that President Trump has decided on his nominee to succeed Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve. However, no name has been revealed yet.
- Insight: The market is on edge, awaiting the official announcement for an appointment that will steer U.S. monetary policy. The suspense around the name keeps speculation high.
"President Trump says he's made his choice on the next Fed chair.... He knows who he's going to pick to succeed Jay Powell, but he didn't give a name." — Joe Kernen (01:08)

2. Record-breaking Box Office: Disney’s Zootopia 2

[01:24] Kernen highlights that Disney’s “Zootopia 2” shattered records over the Thanksgiving weekend, pulling in $156 million domestically and over $550 million globally since Wednesday’s opening.
- Insight: This is now the best debut ever for an animated film, underscoring the enduring strength of Disney's IP and consumer demand for family entertainment, especially timed around holidays.
"Zootopia 2 bringing in $156 million domestically... more than $550 million globally since it opened on Wednesday. That's the best debut ever for an animated film." — Joe Kernen (01:24)

3. Major Data Breach in South Korea: Coupang Hit

[01:37] South Korean police are investigating what’s described as the country’s worst data breach in more than a decade, targeting e-commerce leader Coupang (often dubbed "the Amazon of South Korea").
- Insight: The leak impacted information from over 33 million customers and points to ongoing vulnerabilities in global e-commerce cybersecurity.
"South Korean police are investigating that country's worst data breach in more than a decade.... Information from more than 33 million customers was leaked." — Joe Kernen (01:37)

4. Databricks Eyes $134 Billion Valuation

[01:51] Data analytics powerhouse Databricks is reportedly seeking to raise $5 billion, at a staggering valuation of $134 billion, according to The Information.
- Insight: The story signals continued momentum and investor appetite for AI and data-driven enterprise software companies, even amid broader market uncertainty.
"Databricks is in talks to raise $5 billion at a valuation of $134 billion." — Joe Kernen (01:51)

5. UnitedHealth Group Divests Final South American Asset

[01:59] UnitedHealth Group is reportedly selling its last South American business to a Brazilian private equity group for $1 billion.
- Insight: This move is a final step in UnitedHealth's consolidation and focus on core markets.
"UnitedHealth Group finally will reportedly sell its last South American business to a Brazilian private equity group for $1 billion." — Joe Kernen (01:59)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On market anticipation:

"He knows who he's going to pick to succeed Jay Powell, but he didn't give a name." — Joe Kernen (01:10)
On record-breaking box office:

"That's the best debut ever for an animated film." — Joe Kernen (01:28)
On the gravity of the South Korean data breach:

"Information from more than 33 million customers was leaked." — Joe Kernen (01:40)

Important Timestamps

01:02 – Introduction to the 5 things to know
01:08 – Fed chair news
01:24 – Zootopia 2 record box office
01:37 – Coupang data breach details
01:51 – Databricks fundraising report
01:59 – UnitedHealth divestiture

Summary

In less than two minutes, this episode packs crucial updates for investors and business watchers: the upcoming Fed chair pick (with markets buzzing in anticipation), Disney’s historic animated film launch, a massive international data breach, mega-valuation news from Databricks, and a strategic exit by UnitedHealth Group from South America. Joe Kernen’s straight-to-the-point delivery ensures listeners are equipped with actionable market intelligence before the opening bell.

Transcript

A (0:00)

The heaviest metal credit card of all time, rumored to be one of only 18 in existence, plated with the very same tungsten that forged the International Space Station and wielded at business dinners like a samurai sword. It's a classic corporate power move, but the real power move having end to end visibility on your most critical shipments. FedEx the new power Move 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.

B (1:02)

Hi, I'm Joe Kernan, co host of Squawkbox, and this is five things to know before today's opening bell. President Trump says he's made his choice on the next Fed chair. Speaking with reporters, the President said he knows who he's going to pick to succeed Jay Powell, but he didn't give a name. Disney Zootopia 2, bringing in $156 million domestically at the box office over the five day Thanksgiving weekend period, had earned more than $550 million globally since it opened on Wednesday. That's the best debut ever for an animated film. South Korean police are investigating that country's worst data breach in more than a decade. It came at e commerce giant Coupang, which has been called the Amazon of South Korea. Information from more than 33 million customers was leaked and data analytics firm Databricks is in talks to raise $5 billion at a valuation of $134 billion. That's according to the information. UnitedHealth Group finally will reportedly sell its last South American business to a Brazilian private Equity Group for $1 billion. We'll be back later today with an all new Squawk Pod, our daily podcast featuring the best of Squawk Box. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts and listen anytime.

A (2:29)

Hi there, it's Andy Richter and I'm here to tell you about my podcast, the three Questions with Andy Richter. Each week I invite friends, comedians, actors and musicians to discuss these three where do you come from, where are you going, and what have you learned? New episodes are out every Tuesday with guests like Julie Bowe and Ted Danson, Tig Notaro, Will Arnett, Phoebe Bridgers and more. You can also tune in for my weekly Andy Richter call in show episodes, where me and a special guest Invite callers to weigh in on topics like dating, disasters, bad teachers, and lots more. Listen to the three Questions with Andy Richter wherever you get your podcast.