Squawk Pod: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell – 12/15/2025

Podcast: Squawk Pod
Host: CNBC (Melissa Lee)
Date: December 15, 2025
Episode: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell

Episode Overview

This brief morning episode, anchored by Melissa Lee, curates the top business and market headlines to watch before U.S. market open. The episode covers critical global economic signals, updates on major corporate actions, regulatory news in the healthcare sector, and the latest from the entertainment industry. The tone is brisk, informative, and focused on setting up the trading day with actionable information.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. China's Economic Concerns

00:50 – 01:13

• New monthly data points to continued weakness in China’s economy:
  • Consumption, investment, and industrial output all fell short of market expectations for November.
• Analysts are watching these signals closely, as they have implications for global markets and supply chains.

2. Hong Kong National Security Law Case

00:50 – 01:13

• A court in Hong Kong found prominent pro-democracy activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign countries.
  • Officially prosecuted under Hong Kong’s controversial National Security Law (2020), which followed the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
  • Jimmy Lai, age 78, faces significant legal jeopardy as an outspoken critic of Beijing.

3. Sanofi's Regulatory Setback and Market Reaction

01:13 – 01:29

• French drugmaker Sanofi disclosed another delay in a U.S. regulatory decision about its experimental multiple sclerosis drug.
  • The company also reported "disappointing late-stage study results."
• Stock market reaction: Sanofi shares dropped over 1% pre-market as a result.

4. ServiceNow’s Acquisition Talks

01:29 – 01:35

• ServiceNow is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Armis.
  • According to Bloomberg, the deal could be announced this week and is valued near $7 billion.
  • This highlights the ongoing consolidation and importance of cybersecurity in enterprise software.

5. Disney's Box Office Milestone

01:35 – 01:44

• “Zootopia 2” dominated the box office over the weekend with more than $26 million in revenue.
  • The animated sequel surpassed the $1 billion mark worldwide, underscoring Disney’s ongoing strength in global entertainment franchises.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On China’s Economic Shortfall:

  “Consumption, investment and industrial output data all falling short of expectations in November.”
  — News Reporter (00:50)

• On Hong Kong’s National Security Law:

  “A court in Hong Kong finding pro democracy activist and media baron Jimmy Lai guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign countries. The 78 year old was charged under Hong Kong's controversial national security law enacted in 2020 after pro democracy protests the year before.”
  — News Reporter (00:50–01:13)

• On Sanofi’s Troubles:

  “Sanofi shares are lower...the French drugmaker flagging another delay to a US Regulatory decision on his experimental multiple sclerosis drug. It also gave disappointing late stage study results.”
  — Melissa Lee and News Reporter (01:13–01:29)

• On ServiceNow’s Acquisition Move:

  "ServiceNow is in talks by cybersecurity startup Armis. Bloomberg reports a deal which could be announced this week could be worth about $7 billion."
  — News Reporter (01:29–01:35)

• On Disney’s Ongoing Box Office Dominance:

  “Disney's Zootopia 2 taking the top spot at the box office this weekend, raking in more than $26 million...also crossing the $1 billion mark worldwide.”
  — News Reporter (01:35–01:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:50: China’s disappointing economic data; Hong Kong court verdict on Jimmy Lai
• 01:13: Sanofi regulatory delay and market impact
• 01:29: ServiceNow’s talks to acquire Armis (cybersecurity)
• 01:35: Disney’s “Zootopia 2” box office achievement

Summary Takeaway

Melissa Lee’s curation for Squawk Pod listeners distills the critical morning headlines: investors should be wary of underwhelming economic numbers out of China and regulatory risk in the pharmaceutical sector, while also watching major acquisition moves in tech and milestones from entertainment leaders like Disney. The episode is concise but information-rich, priming market participants with what to watch as the trading day begins.