Minnesota shooting, Big Tech earnings, the winter storm and more in Morning Squawk

In a tumultuous weekend for Minnesota, tensions escalated following the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse and U.S. citizen, by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis. This incident marks the second fatal shooting of its kind since the federal government deployed numerous ICE agents to the state, eliciting strong objections from local officials. As the stock market prepares for a new trading week, all eyes are on prominent tech companies. Major players such as Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple are set to announce their quarterly earnings soon. This week is particularly critical for Apple, which may soon lose its title as the largest customer of TSMC to Nvidia, reflecting the shifting dynamics in the tech industry driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. Investors are also keenly awaiting earnings reports from other significant companies, including General Motors and Starbucks. The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision is slated for Wednesday, adding to the market's anticipation. Following a couple of challenging weeks, the S&P 500 has seen a notable pullback, with stock futures remaining stable this morning and gold prices hitting record highs above $5,100 per ounce. In addition to market concerns, a powerful winter storm has swept across a significant portion of the U.S., leading over 20 states to declare emergencies. The storm has disrupted air travel, with major airlines suspending change and cancellation fees at various U.S. airports and thousands of flights being canceled. Natural gas prices have surged, and many in the southern states are grappling with power outages as demand in Virginia—a hub for data centers—unexpectedly spiked. On the international front, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly stated that Canada has "no intention" of entering a free trade agreement with China, especially in light of recent threats from former President Trump regarding tariffs on Canada should such a deal be pursued. Carney emphasized Canada's commitment to its obligations under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement. Meanwhile, the automotive industry continues to navigate challenges as it transitions into a new era marked by higher costs and fluctuating consumer interest. U.S. automakers are bracing for a future that may be characterized by a smaller, more expensive, and less predictable market, as highlighted by Hyundai North America CEO Randy Parker. Stay informed as we keep you updated on these critical developments in the coming days.