Earnings, Oil, ECB and Japan

Things can only get better. At least that’s what the stock bulls must be hoping as third-quarter earnings season falls short of expectations. Yes, it’s still early, but the members of the S&P 500 Index were on pace to record earnings growth of just 2.4 percent through last week, below the already lame 3.7 percent that was forecast, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.This week brings a heavy slate of reports, as 185 of the benchmark’s constituents post results. At 21.85 times earnings, the S&P 500 is on the pricier side of historical averages. The prospects for rising profits and U.S. tax cuts have been the main justifications for the benchmark’s almost 15 percent gain this year in the face of turmoil in Washington and rising geopolitical threats. “Earnings will naturally be a key factor when it comes to the sustainability of the stock market rally,” Craig Erlam, a senior market analyst at Oanda, wrote in a research note.

That said, Erlam says not to give up on stocks just yet. Global risk appetite remains strong, and investors are becoming increasingly optimistic about the economic outlook. Add tailwinds such as U.S. tax reform to the mix and despite lingering geopolitical and political risks, the rally may have some way to go yet, he notes. Although earnings growth has fallen short of projections, revenue gains of 4.2 percent are about in line with early season expectations, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Seven of 11 sectors, led by technology, are tracking above the revenue consensus from the start of the season.

Source: The Daily Prophet: Is It Too Soon to Worry About Earnings? – Bloomberg

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Craig Erlam

Craig Erlam

Senior Market Analyst, UK & EMEA at OANDA
Based in London, Craig Erlam joined OANDA in 2015 as a market analyst. With many years of experience as a financial market analyst and trader, he focuses on both fundamental and technical analysis while producing macroeconomic commentary. His views have been published in the Financial Times, Reuters, The Telegraph and the International Business Times, and he also appears as a regular guest commentator on the BBC, Bloomberg TV, FOX Business and SKY News. Craig holds a full membership to the Society of Technical Analysts and is recognised as a Certified Financial Technician by the International Federation of Technical Analysts.
Craig Erlam