Keyword → S

Q1 2026 Earnings Season Kicks Off — JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs Set to Report as Banks Navigate Tariff and Rate Uncertainty

Q1 2026 earnings season officially begins this week with major banks leading the charge, and Friday's blockbuster March jobs report — 178,000 payrolls added against a 51,000 consensus — has substantially improved the setup for financial sector results, even as the broader market navigates 15% global tariffs, $110 oil, and Moody's 49% recession probability estimate.

February PCE Inflation Eases to 2.3% — Core Holds at 2.6%, Fed Stays Patient

The Bureau of Economic Analysis released February's Personal Consumption Expenditures price index Friday, showing headline PCE inflation eased to 2.3% year-over-year from 2.5% in January while core PCE held steady at 2.6%. Both readings landed in line with consensus, reinforcing a Federal Reserve on hold through mid-year as incoming auto tariff risks threaten to stall the final mile of disinflation.

Trump Confirms 25% Auto Import Tariffs Take Effect April 3 — Automakers and Suppliers Slide

President Trump confirmed Friday that a 25% tariff on all imported automobiles will take effect April 3, 2026, sending shares of foreign-assembled vehicle brands and global auto suppliers sharply lower. Domestic automakers Ford and GM initially rallied on the news before pulling back as investors assessed complex supply chain exposure, with analysts warning the tariffs could add $4,000 to $12,000 to new vehicle sticker prices.

Nike Q3 2026 Earnings Beat Estimates — International Revenue Surge Offsets Domestic Tariff Headwinds

Nike reported fiscal Q3 2026 earnings Thursday evening that topped Wall Street estimates on both the top and bottom lines, with international markets in EMEA and Greater China delivering double-digit revenue growth that more than offset softer North America performance. Shares rose sharply in Friday premarket trading as investors welcomed signs of brand momentum and gross margin recovery.

University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Falls to 57.0 — Tariff Fears Push Inflation Expectations to 5.0%

The University of Michigan's final March consumer sentiment index dropped to 57.0, below the preliminary reading of 57.9 and the lowest since September 2025, as American households grew increasingly anxious about the impact of tariff-driven price increases on their finances. One-year inflation expectations surged to 5.0%, the highest reading since 2022, adding a stagflationary wrinkle to Friday's PCE data.

S&P 500 Posts Slim Q1 2026 Gain as Tariff Uncertainty and Fed Patience Cap Upside

The S&P 500 closed out Q1 2026 with a modest gain of approximately 2.1%, masking a turbulent quarter defined by persistent tariff escalation, a hawkish-leaning Federal Reserve, and wide sector-level dispersion. Technology and financials led, while consumer discretionary and materials lagged on trade policy headwinds. The quarter ends with investors cautiously positioned ahead of what promises to be a pivotal Q1 earnings season.

U.S. GDP Growth Confirmed at 2.4% for Q4 2025, Beating Initial Estimate

The Bureau of Economic Analysis on Thursday confirmed U.S. GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 2.4% in Q4 2025, topping the advance estimate of 2.3% and reinforcing economic resilience heading into 2026. Upward revisions to consumer spending and nonresidential fixed investment drove the beat, tempering stagflation concerns.

Nvidia Expands Blackwell Ultra GPU Production to Meet Record AI Infrastructure Demand

Nvidia announced a major ramp-up in Blackwell Ultra GPU production, citing record orders from hyperscalers and sovereign AI programs worldwide. The company indicated Q1 2026 data center revenue is on pace to surpass the prior quarter's record, driving renewed momentum across the semiconductor supply chain from TSMC to Micron.

OPEC+ Reaffirms Output Cuts Through Q2 2026, Keeping Oil Markets Tight

OPEC+ ministers reaffirmed their collective output reduction strategy through the end of Q2 2026, citing persistent demand uncertainty from China and the potential impact of U.S. tariff policy on global trade flows. Brent crude held above $76 per barrel following the announcement, supporting energy sector equities across integrated majors and upstream producers.