5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 1/9/2026

Summary

Squawk Pod: 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell (January 9, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of Squawk Pod—hosted by CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin—delivers a concise rundown of the top five business stories to know before the US stock market opens. Covering key corporate developments, M&A rumors, IPO moves, and a rare update from outer space, the podcast provides investors and professionals with the vital highlights and context needed to start their trading day informed.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Merck in Talks to Acquire Revmed

(01:04 – 01:15)

• Merck is reportedly in discussions to buy the cancer drug maker Revmed for $28–$32 billion.
• According to the Financial Times, this would mark the largest pharma sector deal in almost three years.
• AbbVie has denied an earlier report (Wall Street Journal) that it was in talks to acquire Revmed, clearing the way for Merck’s ongoing discussions.
• Quote:
  “Financial Times saying a deal is likely several weeks away, but it would be the biggest in the pharma sector in nearly three years.” — Andrew Sorkin (01:09)

2. Strava Confidentially Files for IPO

(01:15 – 01:22)

• The fitness tracking app Strava has confidentially filed for an Initial Public Offering.
• News sourced from an insider who spoke to CNBC, confirming burgeoning market interest in digital health platforms.

3. Saks Pursuing Bankruptcy Financing

(01:22 – 01:31)

• The Wall Street Journal reports that the owner of iconic luxury retailer Saks is close to securing a $1 billion+ bankruptcy financing package.
• This strategic financial move comes amid sustained turbulence in the luxury retail sector.

4. Paramount/Skydance Seeking Investment for MTV

(01:31 – 01:43)

• Paramount/Skydance have engaged with companies and key music industry figures regarding a possible stake in MTV.
• This is part of a broader effort to reinvigorate one of entertainment’s most legendary brands.
• Quote:
  “Paramount Skydance has now held talks with companies and music industry figures about taking a stake in MTV as it looks to reinvigorate that network.” — Andrew Sorkin (01:36)

5. NASA Crew Member Medical Emergency

(01:43 – 01:53)

• At the International Space Station, a crew member’s “serious medical condition” has prompted NASA to plan an early return for all four astronauts aboard.
• The exact nature of the condition and the identity of the affected crew member remain undisclosed.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Merck–Revmed potential deal:
  “It would be the biggest in the pharma sector in nearly three years.”
  — Andrew Sorkin (01:10)

• On Strava’s IPO quiet move:
  “Strava confidentially now filing for an IPO. It’s according to a source familiar with the matter.”
  — Andrew Sorkin (01:16)

• On resurgence for MTV:
  “About taking a stake in MTV as it looks to reinvigorate that network.”
  — Andrew Sorkin (01:39)

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Timestamps – Important Segments

| Segment | Start Time | End Time | |-----------------------------------------------|------------|------------| | Merck–Revmed M&A Talks | 01:04 | 01:15 | | Strava IPO Filing | 01:15 | 01:22 | | Saks Bankruptcy Financing | 01:22 | 01:31 | | Paramount/Skydance & MTV Stake Discussions | 01:31 | 01:43 | | NASA Medical Issue at ISS | 01:43 | 01:53 |

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Overall Tone and Takeaway

Andrew Sorkin delivers swift yet authoritative updates, distilling complex news into actionable intelligence for listeners. The tone is brisk, no-nonsense, and focused squarely on institutional investor priorities—offering just enough detail to spark deeper inquiry for those who need to know.

For another roundup of the day’s market drivers and high-impact headlines, check the next Squawk Pod episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Transcript

[A]

Comcast business helps retailers become seamlessly restocking, frictionless paying favorite shopping destinations. It's how nationwide restaurants become touchscreen ordering, quick serving eateries and how hospitals become the patient scanning data, managing healthcare facilities that we all depend on. With leading networking and connectivity, advanced cybersecurity and expert partnership, Comcast business is powering the engine of modern business powering possibilities.

[B]

Restriction supply Building a portfolio with Fidelity Basket Portfolios is kind of like making a sandwich. It's as simple as picking your stocks and ETFs, sort of like your meats and other topics and managing it as one big juicy investment. Mmm. Now that's pretty good. Learn [e-mail] baskets Investing involves risk, including risk of loss Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC Member NYSE SIPC.

[C]

Hi, I'm Andrew Sorkin, co host of Squawk Box and this is five things to know before today's opening bell. Mark reportedly in talks now to buy cancer drug maker revmed for between 28 and 32 billion dollars. Financial Times saying a deal is likely several weeks away, but it would be the biggest in the pharma sector in nearly three years. Yesterday AbbVie denied a report from the Wall Street Journal that it was in talks to buy Revmed. Meantime, fitness tracking app Strava confidentially now filing for an ipo. It's according to a source familiar with the matter. Spoke to cnbc, the Wall Street Journal reporting that the owner of the luxury department store Sachs nearing a deal for a bankruptcy financing package of more than $1 billion and Paramount Skydance has now held talks with companies and music industry figures about taking a stake in MTV as it looks to reinvigorate that network. That's according to Bloomberg News and NASA saying a serious medical condition with a crew member aboard the International Space Station will prompt an early return for the astronaut and three other crew members. It's unclear what the condition is or who is affected. We're going to be back later today with an all new Squawk Pod, our daily podcast featuring the best of Squawkbox. Check it out wherever you get your podcast and listen anytime.

[B]

Building a portfolio with Fidelity Basket Portfolios is kind of like making a sandwich. It's as simple as picking your stocks and ETFs, sort of like your meats and other the topics and managing it as one big juicy investment. Now that's pretty good. Learn more at fidelity.com baskets Investing involves risks including risk of loss Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC Member NYSE SIPC Member.