An “Evaporating Labor Force,” Zelenskyy Heads to Washington, Tesla’s New China Model 8/18/25

We’re live outside the courthouse as the first court hearing for Fed Governor Lisa Cook gets underway. Arguing against her attempted firing for alleged mortgage fraud. What comes next in her court battle against the President? We discuss with former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer. Then, Former CEA Chair Jared Bernstein reacts to this morning’s inflation print and gives his outlook on what it means for a possible rate cutting cycle. Plus, it’s the top gainer on the S&P 500 for the day. Autodesk surging after a beat and raise. Its CEO breaks down the quarter.

Following Nvidia’s results, where can investors look for opportunity in the market? Jefferies lays out its playbook to capitalize on the recent momentum in small caps. Then the E.U. says it will remove tariffs on U.S. industrial goods. We have the latest from Washington. Plus, the CFO of Intel gives an update on the U.S. government’s stake in the company. Saying Intel received $5.7B in cash from the U.S. government last night.

The White House now calling on Fed Governor Lisa Cook to go on leave, even as her lawsuit challenging her removal looms. Allianz’s Mohamad El-Erian joins the show to talk about the concerns over Fed independence. Then Okta CEO Todd McKinnon. Reacting to results after raising full-year guidance. Plus, is the market underestimating the pace of AI adoption? Citi thinks so. Out with a new report outlining the potential growth. 

Fed Governor Lisa Cook vows to fight back against President Trump, saying he doesn’t have the authority to fire her. The Fed’s former General Counsel joins the show. Representing the Fed’s Board of Governors and the Federal Open Market Committee for 13 years. Laying out some scenarios of what could happen next. Then former Fed Governor Frederic Mishkin is also with us. With more on the impact for the Fed’s independence and the impact on rates. Plus Nvidia caught in the crosshairs of geopolitics. Can CEO Jensen Huang play international diplomat to unlock the resumption of its China specific exports?

Breaking this hour: Elon Musk’s XAI suing Apple and OpenAI, alleging the companies are violating antitrust laws and have “colluded” to maintain monopolies in the smartphone and generative AI markets. Then the CEO of Invitation Homes breaks down what elevated mortgage rates mean for housing affordability and the decision to rent versus buy. Plus UBS breaks down the potential winners and losers in the face of new tariff threats on imported furniture. The two names they say are best positioned.

Stocks surge to new records following Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech in Jackson Hole. Signaling he could be open to lowering rates at the September meeting. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack joins the show – with her first reaction to those remarks. Then Intuit a rare tech stock in the red after reporting results. CEO Sasan Goodarzi breaks down the quarter. Plus following Powell, what’s the next catalyst for the market? Could it be Nvidia results next week? We break down some of the challenges facing the company.

New this morning: CNBC’s Sara Eisen details a letter written by the DOJ’s Ed Martin, to Fed Chair Powell, suggesting the DOJ will investigate allegations of mortgage fraud against Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Then existing home sales jump 2% in July, defying expectations for a modest slump. The CEO of Redfin has more on what that means for buyer and sellers. Plus, President Trump urging pharmaceutical companies to produce drugs in the united states, or face a tariff. Now a new plant, five years in the making, appears to be opening at the perfect time. We take you inside the facility.

In his latest attack on the Fed, President Trump calling for Fed Governor Lisa Cook to resign. After the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Bill Pulte, says the DOJ should look into possible mortgage fraud. Pulte joins the show with more on the accusations. Then wealthy investors loading up on alternative assets. Marathon Asset Management's Bruce Richards has more on the opportunities in private credit. And finally, a monster hit. Shares of Labubu-maker parent company ‘Pop Mart’ soar on the back of results. It is just a fad or the start of a longer term trend?

The FTC taking aim at ticket resellers, particularly focusing on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. FTC Chairman Andre Ferguson discusses the suit and the M&A environment for big tech. Then the CEO of cruise operator Viking is with us, discussing the outlook for global travel demand. Plus Softbank taking a $2B stake in Intel. What that means for shareholders.

Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi warning a recession is looking increasing likely. Pointing to the fact he expects a negative jobs print in the near future. Then Ukrainian President Zelenskyy heads to Washington with other European leaders, looking to work towards a ceasefire with Russia. A live report from outside the White House. Plus Tesla teasing a new model could be coming to China. Trying to push back against rising EV competition. The details, this hour.