美股三季报，so far so good

Core Viewpoint - The strong performance of U.S. companies in the third quarter is becoming a key pillar supporting investor confidence amidst a backdrop of absent official economic data and market anxiety [1]. Group 1: Earnings Reports - The earnings season has started positively, with several industry leaders reporting better-than-expected results, such as General Motors, which saw a 15% stock price increase after raising its earnings guidance [2]. - 86% of the 130 S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings exceeded analysts' expectations, indicating a robust earnings season [1]. - Dow Chemical's third-quarter profit, although down, fell less than expected, leading to a 13% stock price increase, making it the best performer in the S&P 500 on that day [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions - The S&P 500 index rose by 0.6% on Thursday and has increased by 1.1% for the week, nearing historical highs due to the positive earnings reports [1]. - Las Vegas Sands, a casino and resort operator, saw its stock price jump approximately 12% due to better-than-expected profits from international investments [4]. Group 3: Data Vacuum and Market Focus - The government shutdown has led to a lack of official economic data, forcing investors to focus more on private sector and state-level data, such as a seven-month high in home sales reported by the National Association of Realtors [7]. - Investors are increasingly discussing credit issues due to the absence of macroeconomic data, likening the situation to a casino where players shift their focus to different games [7]. Group 4: Credit Market Concerns - Recent bankruptcies and fraud investigations involving companies like First Brands and Tricolor have raised concerns about the health of the credit market, although many analysts view these as isolated incidents rather than systemic risks [8]. - Some investors remain cautious due to high asset prices, questioning the risk-reward balance in the current tight valuation environment [8].