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

• Oil prices jumped after Trump vowed to 'take the oil in Iran,' with Brent crude posting a record 55% monthly gain in March as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed
• Trump agreed to pay TSA employees after a shutdown deal collapsed, as travelers face long security wait times and potentially higher airfares due to surging oil prices
• Meta's recent courtroom defeats over user impact research could create legal liability concerns for AI companies funding similar studies on their technology's societal implications

Market Summary: Oil Surge, Tech Liability, and Travel Disruptions

Oil Market Crisis

Brent crude is poised for its largest monthly gain ever, surging 55% in March 2026 amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Oil jumped overnight after President Trump threatened to "take the oil in Iran," with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed. Trump demanded the strait be reopened "immediately" or face U.S. military action, though he later signaled "great progress" in peace negotiations. Energy executives are calling for increased production, while companies across sectors have already adjusted offerings and guidance due to rising oil prices.

Market Performance

Stock futures rose Monday despite both major indices recording their worst week of 2026. The oil-driven inflationary spike presents challenges for Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh, who favors rate cuts but may be forced to raise rates instead.

Government and Travel

Trump agreed to pay TSA employees after shutdown negotiations collapsed, with agents receiving back pay. Travelers face extended airport wait times and higher airfares due to oil price increases.

Corporate Developments

Meta suffered two courtroom defeats showing tech companies face legal liability when funding research on product impacts, creating potential implications for AI industry research investments. Eli Lilly struck a collaboration deal with Insilico Medicine for AI-developed drugs, expanding their 2023 partnership. Insilico has developed over two dozen AI-generated drugs, with nearly half in clinical stages.

Alternative Investments

The rare Pokémon card market continues booming, exemplified by Logan Paul's $16 million Pikachu card sale. Non-sport trading card spending jumped 350% between 2020-2025, significantly outpacing S&P 500 returns during peak periods.