April 27 Update

We have a very busy week ahead, but first a look back.  A good week for the stock market last week. 

It is peak earning reporting this week.  One-third of the S&P 500 companies report 1st quarter number this week.  This includes 5 of the Mag 7 stocks. 

On Wednesday, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta (Facebook).  Apple will report on Thursday.  Part of Wall Street’s focus will be signs of AI spending and investment.  This data will spread to infrastructure sectors – computer chip makers, chip equipment mfg., energy, power generation, commodities like copper, natural gas, and coal.  And many more sectors.

This week is a big one for central banks.  The Federal Open Market Committee meets on Tuesday and Wednesday.  No changes are expected.  But it might be some signs of the future path of interest rates.  But Jerome Powell will be replaced shortly, and the new chairman may change the Fed’s policy for the rest of 2026.

Also, ECB, BOE and BOJ also have meetings.  Again these will contain nuggets on their economies and monetary policy. 

Economic reports include GDP estimate, PCE, durable goods, and ISM data. 

Finally, Iran conflict continues and will have developments throughout the week.