Investors on Wall Street are gearing up for a pivotal week filled with crucial economic data and quarterly earnings from several prominent companies. As the trade tensions between the United States and China continue to create uncertainty, market observers will be keenly focused on various economic indicators, including GDP figures for the first quarter, consumer spending data for March, and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, which is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation.

Key Economic Releases to Watch

Investors should mark their calendars for a series of important economic reports set to be released this week:

• April 29 (Tuesday):

  • Advanced US trade balance in goods for March
  • S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index for February
  • Consumer Confidence Index for April
  • Job openings data for March

• April 30 (Wednesday):

  • ADP employment figures for April
  • First quarter GDP data
  • Employment Cost Index for Q1
  • Chicago Business Barometer (PMI) for April
  • Consumer spending and personal income for March
  • PCE index for March
  • Pending home sales for March

• May 1 (Thursday):

  • S&P final manufacturing PMI for April
  • ISM Manufacturing Index for April
  • Auto sales figures for April
• May 2 (Friday):
  • Non-farm payroll numbers for April
  • Unemployment rate for April
  • Factory orders data for March

Earnings Reports to Anticipate

Earnings season is in full swing, and several key companies will be announcing their first-quarter results this week. Notable names include:

• Apple
• Microsoft
• Meta Platforms
• Amazon
• Coca-Cola
• Visa
• Pfizer
• Starbucks

This week’s earnings reports will provide insights into how these tech giants are navigating current market challenges, particularly amidst tariff discussions between the US and China. In a recent interview, President Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations, but Chinese officials have denied such talks are happening.

Market Trends from Last Week

In the previous week, US stock indices experienced gains, largely driven by technology stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 20.10 points, or 0.05%, closing at 40,113.50. The S&P 500 saw a rise of 40.44 points, or 0.74%, finishing at 5,525.21, while the Nasdaq Composite jumped by 216.90 points, or 1.26%, to reach 17,382.94.

Currency markets also experienced fluctuations, with the US dollar appreciating by 0.67% against the yen, trading at 143.555, while the euro dipped 0.11% to $1.1377. Additionally, the yield on the benchmark US 10-year notes fell by 3.7 basis points, settling at 4.268%.

As investors brace for a week filled with critical data and earnings reports, market activity could see significant fluctuations based on the outcomes of these releases. Keeping an eye on these developments will be essential for making informed investment decisions.