Squawk Pod: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell – 12/22/2025

Podcast: Squawk Pod
Host: Joe Kernen (CNBC)
Date: December 22, 2025
Theme: A quick morning briefing with top market-moving news, featuring major headlines and insightful commentary to prepare listeners for the trading day.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise rundown of the five most significant news stories investors and business watchers need to know before the opening bell. Joe Kernen, co-host of "Squawk Box," highlights key corporate developments, market trends, and major global events in an approachable, no-nonsense tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Waymo’s San Francisco Service Resumes After Blackout

• Summary: Alphabet’s driverless taxi company, Waymo, reinstates operations in San Francisco after a blackout caused a citywide pause.

• Details:

  • The blackout led to multiple Waymo vehicles stalling and blocking intersections, as circulated on social media.
  • Mishap raised questions yet again about autonomous vehicle reliability in unpredictable urban environments.

  "Alphabet's driverless taxi company Waymo says service is back now in San Francisco following a pause on Saturday that took place during a blackout…" — Joe Kernen [00:52]

2. Major Buyout in Investment Software: Clearwater Analytics

• Summary: Prominent private equity firms Premira and Warburg Pincus reach a multibillion-dollar agreement to acquire Clearwater Analytics.

• Details:

  • The acquisition is valued at around $8.4 billion.
  • Reflects continued robust private equity activity within fintech.

  "...Private equity firms including Premira and Warburg Pincus, reaching a deal to buy investment software provider Clearwater Analytics for about $8.4 billion..." — Joe Kernen [01:09]

3. Avatar Franchise: US Box Office Disappointment

• Summary: The third installment of James Cameron’s Avatar franchise underperforms in its US box office debut.

• Details:

  • Opening weekend earnings: $88 million.
  • Fell short of analyst expectations ($110-$125 million), signaling possible "sequel fatigue" for the high-profile franchise.

  "In the third installment of James Cameron's Avatar franchise. Disappointing at the US box office in its opening weekend, the film earned $88 million, well below the 110 million to 125 million that analysts were expecting." — Joe Kernen [01:21]

4. Powerball Jackpot Nears Record Heights

• Summary: Tonight’s Powerball drawing is expected to rank among the highest ever.

• Details:

  • Saturday’s drawing had no jackpot winners.
  • Tonight’s grand prize: $1.6 billion, drawing national attention as excitement builds.

  "And tonight's Powerball jackpot, slated to be one of the biggest ever. No one matched all six numbers on Saturday, so tonight's drawing worth about $1.6 billion." — Joe Kernen [01:35]

5. SoftBank’s $22 Billion OpenAI Funding Commitment

• Summary: SoftBank is reportedly working to finalize a major, multi-billion dollar funding commitment to OpenAI.

• Details:

  • Deal size: over $22 billion, to be completed by year-end.
  • SoftBank raising significant capital, including margin loans based on its ARM Holdings stake.
  • Underscores the intense capital flows fueling AI innovation going into 2026.

  "And SoftBank is working to close a more than $22 billion funding commitment to OpenAI by the end of the year. Reuters reports that the Japanese conglomerate is raising cash via a number of avenues and could tap margin loans borrowed against its stake in chip design firm ARM Holdings." — Joe Kernen [01:44]

Memorable Quotes & Tone

• The episode maintains Joe Kernen’s familiar, brisk business-news delivery: direct, slightly wry, with just enough context for each story.
• Quote, succinctly framing the theme of the show:

  "These are your five things to know before today's opening bell." — Joe Kernen [00:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Waymo Driverless Taxis: [00:52]
• Clearwater Analytics Acquisition: [01:09]
• Avatar Box Office: [01:21]
• Powerball Jackpot: [01:35]
• SoftBank’s OpenAI Funding: [01:44]

Conclusion

This episode offers a crisp, informative start to the trading day, giving listeners the essential developments in tech, finance, entertainment, and AI. The stories selected highlight major shifts impacting business and investment decisions, all delivered in the trademark Squawk Box style: efficient, matter-of-fact, and insightful.

Listeners interested in market-moving news and insider commentary will find this episode a vital tool for staying informed before market open.