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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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[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
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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)
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On record-breaking box office:
"That's the best debut ever for an animated film." — Joe Kernen (01:28)
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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.