What to Watch for this Week
We have a normal economic calendar, featuring housing data, Consumer confidence and sentiment, and the first look at Q1 GDP. Corporate earnings reports will again be the most important real news.
During the week of Apr. 23, 181 S&P 500 companies are expected to report quarterly earnings.
According to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S – Of the 87 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported earnings to date for Q1 2018, 79.3% have reported earnings above analyst expectations. This is above the long-term average of 64% and above the average over the past four quarters of 75%.
71.3% of companies have reported Q1 2018 revenue above analyst expectations. This is above the long-term average of 60% and above the average over the past four quarters of 69%.
The forward four-quarter (2Q18 – 1Q19) P/E ratio for the S&P 500 is 16.6.
Earnings continue to show the true health of the market.
Global Spotlight
Another Big Blow to China. The U.S. economic assault on China has taken a severe turn. The U.S. Commerce Department slapped an export ban on U.S. companies hoping to sell software and equipment to Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE.
There’s More to Come in Syria. Watch closely for another flare-up between Israel and Iran in Syria.
A Meeting of the Koreas. The inter-Korean summit in Panmunjom will take place April 27, setting the stage for a potential sit-down between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The Challenge of Satisfying Trump. U.S. trading partners and allies have been lining up to bargain with the American president, but success is nowhere near guaranteed.
stratfor.com
Economic Calendar
Here is a list of the U.S. economic events happening this week.
briefing.com
Last Weeks Numbers
Review Last weeks numbers here.
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