Squawk Pod

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital Management sponsored the largest SPAC IPO in history, raising $4B in capital. In an exclusive CNBC interview, the hedge fund billionaire makes his pitch for the insider baseball market vehicle: the special-purpose acquisition company. “Much better for the issuer, much better for the shareholder, because they get to make a thoughtful decision that’s not rushed by the typical IPO process.” Plus, four months after his “Hell is coming” comments rocked the markets, Ackman, a famous short seller, explains why less than a week after that warning, he profited over $2 billion.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epidemiologist and Dean of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Michelle Williams suggests corporations may be the key to stemming Covid’s spread and ensuring a safe fall semester for students and teachers. Bruce Feiler, author of “Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age,” offers insight on navigating the personal and professional changes prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. Plus, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are each over $10 billion wealthier today than they were yesterday, and the NFL is shelling out $75 million for daily Covid testing during practice camps.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While Covid-19 cases climb in 40 states, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb considers the American infrastructure that led the country to this point, as well as what’s needed to support its physical and financial recovery. Mavericks owner, entrepreneur, and investor Mark Cuban offers his investing tips to day traders, even the ones on TikTok. With the 1990s tech bubble in mind, Cuban encourages market participants to think long term and practice patience. He issues a reminder to investors, novice and seasoned: “Everyone’s a genius in a bull market.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. reported another record one-day spike in new Coronavirus cases on Thursday as outbreaks continue to worsen across the country, particularly in Texas, Florida and California. A growing number of politicians, health and business experts, including BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, are advocating mask-wearing amid concerns about the possibility of having to shut down the U.S. economy again to contain the spread. Fink also discussed the asset manager’s position on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and how a young generation of America’s workers are being shaped by the crisis. Plus, the Coronavirus continues to affect Netflix, Twitter, cruise companies … and Joe Kernen tries to tell the difference between the Hemsworth brothers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hackers gained access to more than a dozen high-profile Twitter accounts yesterday, including those of Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, Elon Musk and the corporate account of Apple. Facebook’s former head of security, Alex Stamos, warns about the possible future consequences and the controls that need to be in place before the 2020 elections. Disney heiress, Abigail Disney, says millionaires (yes, she is one) should pay higher taxes permanently to aid in Coronavirus recovery. Plus, Amazon celebrates its 25th anniversary on-line. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Moderna released promising data on its potential coronavirus vaccine trial late Tuesday, saying it generated a “robust” immune response. Moderna’s chief medical officer, Tal Zaks, says the newly released data “puts us on a positive path towards a larger phase three trial.” Plus, Apple’s tax break, United Health earnings, and the Trump Administration punishing Chinese officials for new security laws. CNBC’s Beijing Bureau Chief, Eunice Yoon, also discusses the U.K’s decision to ban Huawei from its 5G network.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian discusses his airline’s financials after a difficult quarter for the industry. He expects Delta’s journey to pandemic recovery to be choppy and years long, but in the meantime, passengers can expect mandatory masks and empty middle seats. Disney World in Florida has reopened, and Disneyland in Hong Kong has reclosed as coronavirus cases rise in both areas. New York Times reporter Brooks Barnes traveled to Disney World in Florida for the park’s reopening, and he’s impressed with the protocols in place. Plus, Tesla’s share price is soaring, but clickbait headlines about the stock could be misleading.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA Commissioner, discusses the health risks and the political factors involved in reopening schools come September. Former White House Chief of Staff and previously the Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney considers the steps every state needs to take to help businesses and the national economy back to their feet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Procter & Gamble is using its position as one of the world’s largest advertisers to combat racism with powerful ad campaigns. P&G Chief Communications Officer Damon Jones says two videos released this week, “The Choice” and “Let’s #TalkAboutBias,” are part of the CPG giant’s long-standing strategy to encourage activism and dismantle inequality. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot discusses her plans for reopening her city and maintaining safety for its residents. Plus, Barbados may be open for (remote) business. The Caribbean island is considering a year-long Welcome Stamp for remote workers to relocate to its sunny shores.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

: Pete Buttigieg, former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana and previously a Democratic Presidential candidate, discusses Joe Biden’s $700 billion “Buy American” campaign. Buttigieg explains why he supports Biden’s plan to maintain U.S. global competitiveness and support economic recovery with tax policies and government investments. Harvard Professor and AEI President Emeritus Arthur Brooks shares his family’s journey building an American life and finding happiness in his “How to Build a Life” series for The Atlantic. He considers the value of college, the definition of entrepreneurship, and the path ahead for the American economy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.