This is CNBC's Morning Squawk newsletter. Subscribe here to receive future editions in your inbox. Happy Tuesday. Today we tell you about the five-year anniversary of the meme stock frenzy, which has me thinking it's finally time to watch "Dumb Money." S&P 500 futures are little changed. The three major indexes are coming off a winning day. Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:
1. DC: The District of Capital
The New York Stock Exchange welcomes guests of Booz Allen Hamilton to celebrate its 110th anniversary of founding on June 25, 2024. NYSE
2. C-suites' balancing act
Students protest against ICE during a walkout at the University of Minnesota on Jan. 26, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Brandon Bell | Getty Images
Federal agents' killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend has continued to reverberate across the U.S., from Minnesota to Washington, D.C. — and even corporate America. The incident has put corporate executives under scrutiny, as they continue to try walk a political tightrope in the wake of Trump's return to office. Incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke said in a video message to staff that "violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful." Fiddelke, who will take the helm of the Minneapolis-based retailer in February, did not mention Trump or the two shooting victims by name. Meanwhile, several Big Tech executives have been silent on the situation, in stark contrast to their response to George Floyd's killing in 2020. The White House yesterday appeared to dial back its tone on Pretti's death. "Nobody in the White House, including President Trump, wants to see people getting hurt or killed in America's streets," press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
3. On the move
Mary Barra, chairman and chief executive officer of General Motors Co., speaks during the grand opening of General Motors global headquarters at Hudson's Detroit in Detroit, Michigan, US, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Jeff Kowalsky | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Shares of General Motors rose more than 4% this morning after the automaker beat analysts' earnings expectations. GM also unveiled a 20% quarterly dividend increase and a $6 billion share repurchase authorization. The company slightly missed Wall Street's revenue forecast. Earlier this month, the automaker pre-announced special charges for the quarter tied to "legal matters," its headquarters move and its defunct robotaxi business. GM wasn't the only transportation name to report earnings this morning. American Airlines missed expectations on both lines, but shares rose 3% on its revenue growth outlook for 2026. Boeing shares ticked 1% higher after the company reported higher-than-anticipated revenue and surging sales.
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