This is CNBC’s Morning Squawk newsletter.
Tuesday kicks off with lingering tech woes for many, as widespread outages impacting Microsoft Outlook and OpenAI’s ChatGPT cast a shadow. Investors are eyeing a dip in stock futures this morning, following a downbeat trading session yesterday.
Here are five key developments shaping the market landscape as trading commences:
1. A New Era at Apple
John Ternus officially assumes the role of CEO at Apple today, succeeding Tim Cook, who transitions to the executive chairman position after a remarkable 15-year tenure leading the technology giant.
This leadership change arrives at a critical juncture for Apple, as the company navigates intensified competition in the artificial intelligence space and ongoing challenges related to its supply chain and memory chip demand. Ternus, largely a quiet figure since his succession was announced in April, made a brief but notable appearance during Apple’s last earnings call. Investors and industry observers will be closely watching his debut on the global stage at Apple’s upcoming annual product launch event, where the highly anticipated new iPhone and Apple Watches are expected to be unveiled.
In his final message as CEO, Cook expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, “My title changes tomorrow, but the love I have for the Apple community never will.” This sentiment underscores the enduring legacy Cook leaves behind and the significant expectations placed upon Ternus to steer Apple through its next chapter of innovation and growth.
2. Economic Indicators on the Horizon
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images
3. Fiscal Policy and Growth Imperatives
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaking with CNBC’s Sara Eisen at the G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Asheville, N.C. on Aug. 31st, 2026.
CNBC
Discussions among Group of 20 finance ministers continue today in North Carolina, with a focus on strategies for economic growth and fiscal stability. A key session features a fireside chat with former National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow, followed by a press conference with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Secretary Bessent reiterated yesterday that sustainable economic expansion is paramount to addressing the nation’s debt. This sentiment was echoed by Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, who characterized the current period as one of “secular growth” and a significant “global investment surge.” Their remarks highlight a shared commitment among international financial leaders to foster an environment conducive to robust, long-term economic development. Furthermore, Bessent addressed investor Stanley Druckenmiller’s commentary on Treasury market interventions, characterizing the billionaire investor’s stance as somewhat fluid.
4. Antitrust Scrutiny Intensifies for Amazon
The Amazon website is seen on a smart phone on July 14, 2019 in Orlando, Florida.
Paul Hennessey | NurPhoto | Getty Images
Amazon faces significant legal challenges as the Federal Trade Commission, alongside 22 state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit alleging anticompetitive practices within the e-commerce giant’s advertising services. The complaint asserts that Amazon has systematically overcharged advertisers through manipulative pricing tactics, potentially accumulating over $20 billion in “hidden surcharges” since a rule change in 2019. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson stated that these increased costs were ultimately borne by consumers. Amazon has refuted the claims, characterizing the lawsuit as “misguided” and based on a misunderstanding of advertiser operations. The legal action comes as Amazon’s stock experienced a 2.5% decline in the previous trading session, reflecting market apprehension surrounding the potential repercussions of these allegations.
5. The Rise of Livestream Shopping
TikTok has officially launched its e-commerce service TikTok Shop in the U.S.
Costfoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images
Livestream shopping, a booming phenomenon in China, is rapidly gaining traction in the United States, propelled by platforms such as TikTok and Whatnot. Industry projections from eMarketer forecast nearly $20 billion in U.S. sales for this sector this year, more than doubling 2024’s figures and representing a substantial 35% year-over-year growth. This burgeoning market signifies a new frontier in digital commerce, blending entertainment with transactional capabilities. While the U.S. market is demonstrating impressive momentum, it still significantly trails behind the mature and expansive Chinese market.
The Daily Dividend
Former President Trump addressed the growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence data centers in a recent Truth Social post, asserting that communities opposing such infrastructure risk economic stagnation.
The only reason that communities throughout the U.S.A. should not want Data Centers is if they want to end up being backwards and poor.
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