Earnings live: Intel stock plunges, with more Big Tech earnings from Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla ahead

Core Insights - The fourth quarter earnings season is set to begin, with major tech companies like Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple leading the earnings calendar [1] - A consensus is forming around an optimistic outlook, with 13% of S&P 500 companies having reported earnings, and an estimated 8.2% increase in earnings per share for the fourth quarter, marking the potential for the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings growth [2] - Analysts had initially expected an 8.3% increase in earnings per share, a decrease from the previous quarter's 13.6% growth rate, but have since raised expectations, particularly for tech companies [3] Group 1 - Big Tech is expected to influence the earnings season significantly, while also testing the improved stock market breadth observed at the start of 2026 [4] - Key themes from 2025, such as artificial intelligence and economic policies, will continue to be relevant for investors [4] Group 2 - In addition to the major tech earnings, a diverse range of companies will report, including UnitedHealth, Boeing, General Motors, IBM, Starbucks, and others [5]