This Week: Earnings, Inflation, and Interest Rates

With geopolitical tension easing the last few days, the focus for investors and traders will shift this week to big tech earnings, inflation data, and interest rates. 

Let’s begin with companies set to report quarterly results this week, so keep an eye on Telsa (TSLA), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), and Meta Platforms (META). In addition to big tech, we’ll also hear from Boeing (BA), General Motors (GM), UPS (UPS), Visa (V), IBM (IBM), Southwest Airlines (LUV), Exxon (XOM), and Chevron (CVX) to name a few more. 

In terms of economic data, we have the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation – the Core PCE data – with the Personal Income and Outlays figures on Friday. Between now and then, keep an eye on the Chicago Fed National Activity Index due out today, and tomorrow will bring the Richmond Fed data, New Home Sales, and the PMI Composite Flash. On Wednesday, look for Durable Goods Orders, while Thursday’s GDP report will be closely watched. Don’t forget about the U.S. Treasury set to auction off a record amount ($183B) of 2-year, 5-year, and 7-year notes, so we’ll get a pretty good look at the appetite for U.S. debt. 

Lastly, keep an eye on WTI crude oil and gold this week. With tension in the Middle East seemingly having found an offramp, crude oil got back down below $81 overnight, which will help ease inflation fears if prices continue to retreat. Meanwhile, gold is off its recent all-time high above $2,400, and is set to begin the week around $2,375. Both products are a reflection of the recent events in the Middle East and both are susceptible to headline risks as it’s still a volatile situation in the region.

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