Oil's record month, TSA pay, the Pokémon card resale market and more in Morning Squawk

In the latest update from the financial world, stock futures are showing an upward trend as Wall Street aims for recovery following a challenging week. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experienced their most significant declines of 2026 last week, primarily influenced by ongoing tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict, which has shaken investor confidence. This week is pivotal for the global oil market, with implications that could ripple through the U.S. economy. In a related development, former President Trump signed an executive order over the weekend to ensure that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees receive their paychecks after a recent government shutdown halted progress in Congress. The Department of Homeland Security announced that TSA agents will start receiving compensation as early as today, a relief amid the mounting frustrations travelers face at airport security checkpoints due to longer wait times and rising airfare costs driven by soaring oil prices. In a significant legal turn, Meta faced two courtroom setbacks last week that highlight the potential liabilities tech companies may encounter when conducting research on the impact of their products on users. This could have far-reaching consequences for the artificial intelligence sector. The cases revealed that Meta withheld critical insights regarding the dangers associated with its platforms, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in tech research. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly has made headlines with a substantial $2.75 billion agreement with Insilico Medicine aimed at advancing AI-developed pharmaceuticals to the market. This partnership, which follows a prior licensing agreement in 2023, positions Insilico within Lilly's Gateway Labs, emphasizing the growing intersection of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. Shares of Eli Lilly saw a positive uptick in pre-market trading as a result of this news. Lastly, the Pokémon card market continues to thrive, highlighted by influencer Logan Paul's recent sale of a Pikachu Illustrator card for over $16 million. This transaction underscores the robust demand for rare collectible cards, with Card Ladder's Pokémon card index outperforming the long-term gains of the S&P 500. The surge in prices is attributed to an influx of affluent collectors eager to invest in exclusive cards, which has driven a remarkable 350% increase in spending on non-sport trading cards from 2020 to 2025. As we move into this holiday-shortened trading week, investors are advised to stay informed on these dynamic developments shaping the market landscape.