Rate Hikes & a Relief Rally. 03/18/22

The markets are on track for their best week since November 2020, despite geopolitical risks continuing to brew abroad. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell reports on the rising Covid-19 cases across Europe, and what experts think that means for the U.S.’s pandemic response. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and CNBC contributor, also breaks down the latest surge, but says the U.S. will not see a major wave of infections as we head into the spring and summer. President Joe Biden signed an executive order last week directing agencies to study cryptocurrencies as well as to come up with a government-wide approach to regulating digital assets. Perianne Boring, Chamber of Digital Commerce founder and president, says the move is a “huge validation” for blockchain. Plus, March Madness has begun! Joe Kernen discusses his not-so-perfect brackets with guest hosts Brian Sullivan and Michael Santoli. In this episode: Perianne Boring, @PerianneDC Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Meg Tirrell, @megtirrell Brain Sullivan, @SullyCNBC Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Klaire Odumody, @klairemarie