Squawk Pod: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell – December 17, 2025

Podcast: Squawk Pod
Host: Becky Quick (CNBC)
Episode: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell
Date: December 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This concise episode of Squawk Pod delivers a rapid-fire rundown of the top five market-moving headlines investors need to know before trading begins on December 17, 2025. Hosted by Becky Quick, the episode touches on major developments in tech, aviation, defense, and housing, spotlighted with insider commentary and market impact notes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. OpenAI in Talks with Amazon

• Details: OpenAI is engaged in advanced discussions with Amazon about a potential investment. Notably, Amazon would provide AI chips to OpenAI.
• Market Impact:
  • Investment "could top $10 billion" ([01:05] Becky Quick)
  • OpenAI could diversify its strategic partnerships beyond Microsoft, signaling heightened competition in AI infrastructure.
• Notable Quote:
  • "OpenAI is talking with Amazon about the tech giant possibly investing in the AI startup and having OpenAI use Amazon's chips."
    – Becky Quick [00:47]

2. Waymo Sourcing New Investment

• Details: Alphabet's self-driving unit, Waymo, is reportedly preparing to raise $15 billion in 2026.
• Key Numbers:
  • Target valuation: "as high as $110 billion" ([01:22] Male Co-Host)
  • Investment round includes both Alphabet (parent company) and external parties.
• Implications: This substantial valuation and funding could cement Waymo's leadership in autonomous vehicle tech amid fierce competition from Tesla and others.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Waymo plans to raise the money from its parent company Alphabet, as well as outside investors at a valuation as high as $110 billion."
    – Becky Quick & Male Co-Host [01:07–01:22]

3. Spirit Airlines & Frontier Merger Talks

• Details: Spirit Airlines, facing bankruptcy, is in new merger talks with Frontier Airlines. Bloomberg reports the deal could be announced by month’s end.
• Stock Movement:
  • Frontier shares up approximately 4.7% on the news ([01:25] Becky Quick)
• Industry Impact: If completed, the deal would further consolidate the budget airline segment and possibly shape airfare competition in 2026.
• Notable Quote:
  • "A deal between the bankrupt Spirit and Frontier could be announced as soon as the end of the month."
    – Becky Quick [01:25]

4. Potential Executive Order Impacting Defense Contractors

• Details: Reports indicate the Trump administration is drafting an executive order to accelerate defense contractors’ production, possibly by restricting stock buybacks and dividend payments.
• Rationale: The goal is to "speed up defense contractors production processes by potentially limiting their ability to buy back stock and pay dividends." ([01:25] Becky Quick)
• Implications: This policy shift could have a significant effect on defense sector capital allocation and shareholder returns.

5. Lennar Misses Profit Estimates

• Details: Homebuilder Lennar has missed its fourth-quarter profit targets.
• Company Commentary:
  • Lennar's co-CEO cites "affordability issues and weaker consumer confidence" ([01:25] Becky Quick) as key challenges for the housing market.
• Stock Movement: Lennar stock is down by 4.3% on the results.
• Sector Insight: This underscores ongoing headwinds in U.S. housing—important context for related stocks and economic data.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "OpenAI is talking with Amazon about the tech giant possibly investing in the AI startup and having OpenAI use Amazon's chips."
  — Becky Quick [00:47]

• "Waymo plans to raise the money from its parent company Alphabet, as well as outside investors at a valuation as high as $110 billion."
  — Becky Quick & Male Co-Host [01:07–01:22]

• "A deal between the bankrupt Spirit and Frontier could be announced as soon as the end of the month."
  — Becky Quick [01:25]

• "The Trump administration is working on an executive order that would seek to speed up defense contractors production processes by potentially limiting their ability to buy back stock and pay dividends."
  — Becky Quick [01:25]

• "Lennar missing fourth quarter profit estimates, the company's co CEO saying that the housing market remains under pressure because of affordability issues and weaker consumer confidence."
  — Becky Quick [01:25]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Amazon–OpenAI talks: [00:47]
• Waymo $15B fundraising plans: [01:07]
• Spirit–Frontier merger negotiations: [01:25]
• Defense contractor executive order: [01:25]
• Lennar earnings miss: [01:25]

Tone & Style

Becky Quick delivers the news in her signature brisk, no-nonsense style, offering just enough context for each story to be actionable for investors—without speculation or editorializing. The segment is a tight, information-dense bulletin, perfect for pre-market listeners seeking edge and clarity.

Summary

This episode arms investors with the five most urgent headlines—ranging from high-stakes tech investments and airline consolidation, to a regulatory shakeup in defense and continued pressure in housing. Each story is brief but rich with relevant context, allowing listeners to start the market day informed and alert to key movers.