S&P 500 hits new highs, flight cancellations, the restaurant industry's value push and more in Morning Squawk
Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day.

TL;DR
- Major stock indexes finished the year with gains, marking four positive weeks in the last five.
- The S&P 500 achieved new intraday records, approaching the 7,000 milestone.
- A major winter storm caused thousands of flight cancellations and delays during the busy holiday travel period.
- Airlines waived change fees for Northeast travelers impacted by the storm, requiring travel by year-end.
- President Trump engaged in discussions with Ukrainian and Russian leaders to advance a peace deal.
- Groq entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Nvidia for talent and technology, potentially to avoid antitrust scrutiny.
- Restaurant chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell emphasized value offerings to attract price-conscious consumers.
- Fed meeting minutes from December are scheduled for release on New Year's Eve.