Squawk Pod: U.S. import prices, inflation, & the Fed’s next move - 04/15/26 | Audio Only

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 15, 2026 at 17:53  |  53:25  |  CNBC
Speakers
Phil LeBeau — Auto & Airlines Reporter, CNBC
Hakeem Jeffries — House Democratic Leader
Steve Liesman — Senior Economics Reporter
Rick Santelli — On-Air Editor, CNBC Business News

Summary

This Squawk Pod episode covers the latest economic data, including import prices and inflation, and discusses implications for the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy. An interview with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries focuses on the Iran war's impact on consumer prices, while a segment on a potential United-American Airlines merger explores the regulatory landscape. The show also touches on market trends, AI startup Anthropic, and Fed independence concerns.

  • S&P 500 nears all-time highs, with Michael Santoli noting the market's upward trajectory and recent rally validity.
  • Phil LeBeau reports on United Airlines' interest in merging with American Airlines for greater scale and international competitiveness.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticizes the Iran war for raising gas prices and increasing living costs.
  • Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammock discusses persistent inflation, labor market balance, and the Fed's plan to hold rates steady.
  • U.S. import prices rose less than expected in March, but energy prices remain a concern due to the Iran conflict.
  • The episode mentions AI startup Anthropic's soaring valuation and interest from crypto companies for cybersecurity.
  • Rick Santelli and Steve Liesman break down the import/export price data and its implications for inflation.
  • Concerns about Federal Reserve independence are raised amid a DOJ probe and political pressure.
Trade Ideas
Mike Santoli Senior Markets Commentator 3:45
S&P 500 uptrend is intact, recent rally valid.
The S&P 500 has been at a new high 7% of all days since 1957, indicating the general direction of travel is up. The recent 10% rally in 10 days is not a head fake and suggests the low is in, as the market was not overextended before the rally and is discerning between sectors, with AI, tech, and power driving gains.
SPY MED
Phil LeBeau Auto & Airlines Reporter, CNBC 10:17
United and American merger possible under Trump.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has been considering a merger with American Airlines since last fall to gain greater size and scale, especially in international markets, to compete with subsidized carriers like Emirates. The current Trump administration is more open to airline mergers than the prior Biden administration, increasing the likelihood of a deal, though regulatory hurdles remain.
UAL AAL MED
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This CNBC video, published April 15, 2026, features Mike Santoli, Phil LeBeau discussing SPY, UAL, AAL. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Mike Santoli, Phil LeBeau  · Tickers: SPY, UAL, AAL