The week ahead for investors February 5, 2024

Snapshot: The Upcoming Week’s Highlights

This week, the markets are braced for key earnings reports from major companies like Ford, Disney, and PepsiCo. Additionally, remarks from several Federal Reserve officials and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s congressional testimony are eagerly anticipated. Updates on the Consumer Price Index and the U.S. trade deficit will also be critical for investors.

Key Takeaways

• Important earnings reports from Ford, McDonald’s, Caterpillar, PepsiCo, and Walt Disney are on the horizon.
• Remarks from Federal Reserve officials and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s testimony before Congress are set to provide valuable insights.
• Updates on the Consumer Price Index and U.S. trade deficit will be closely monitored, along with the congressional budget update.

Week’s Highlights and Analysis

This week is packed with critical corporate earnings, enlightening comments from Fed officials, and crucial economic data updates. The earnings reports from bellwether companies will shed light on different sectors of the economy, while the Fed’s comments will give clues about the future of monetary policy. Additionally, the CPI revision and other economic reports will offer a comprehensive view of the U.S. economy’s current state.

Week of Feb. 5:

Monday, February 5

• Earnings reports from McDonald’s, Caterpillar, Palantir Technologies, ON Semiconductor, and Tyson Foods.
• Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic’s speech, alongside S&P final U.S. services PMI and ISM services PMI for January.
• Insights into bank lending conditions from the Senior Loan Officer Survey.

Tuesday, February 6

• Earnings from Eli Lilly, Amgen, BP, Ford, GE Healthcare Technologies, and Snap.
• Remarks from Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester, and Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker.

Wednesday, February 7

• Corporate earnings from Alibaba Group, Disney, Uber Technologies, CVS Health, Arm Holdings, and PayPal Holdings.
• Federal Reserve officials including Gov. Adriana Kugler, Gov. Michelle Bowman, and Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin to deliver speeches.
• Updates on US trade deficit, consumer credit, and the Congressional Budget Office’s economic outlook.

Thursday, February 8

• S&P Global, Philip Morris International, ConocoPhillips, Unilever, Honda, and AstraZeneca set to report earnings.
• Important economic indicators like initial jobless claims and wholesale inventories for December.
• Testimony from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen before Congress.

Friday, February 9

• PepsiCo reports earnings.
• Annual CPI seasonal adjustments could lead to revisions in previously released CPI figures.

Deeper Insight

Fed Speakers, Treasury Secretary To Discuss Current Economic Conditions

With recent rate decisions raising questions, this week’s speeches from Federal Reserve officials will be crucial for understanding the future monetary policy direction. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic’s remarks will kick off a series of insights from central bank leaders. Investors are keenly anticipating how recent economic data will influence their views on interest rates, especially with the next decision due on March 20.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s testimony before Congress will also be a focal point, offering insights into the U.S. financial stability and government’s fiscal policies. Her statements could provide crucial context to the economic outlook and impact investor sentiment.

Consumer, Energy, Health Firms’ Earnings Highlight Release Schedule

Earnings from consumer-focused giants like McDonald’s and PepsiCo will reveal consumer spending strength. Energy firms like ConocoPhillips and BP’s earnings could provide perspectives on the oil market, while pharmaceutical updates from Eli Lilly and Amgen will reflect the health sector’s status. Tech firms’ reports, especially from Palantir, will offer a glimpse into the AI sector’s progress.