Yahoo Finance·2026-02-12 13:11Group 1 - The fourth quarter earnings season is nearing completion, with 74% of S&P 500 companies having reported results, showing a blended earnings growth of 13.2%, which would mark the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings growth and the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth [1] - Analysts had initially expected an 8.3% increase in earnings per share, a decrease from the previous quarter's 13.6% growth rate, but Wall Street has raised expectations, particularly for tech companies, which have been significant contributors to earnings growth [2] - Companies that missed earnings estimates have experienced an average stock decline of 2% during this earnings period, which is an improvement compared to the 2.8% decline seen over the past five years for similar misses [3] Group 2 - Major capital expenditures by Big Tech companies are influencing the AI trade, with ongoing themes such as artificial intelligence, economic policies from the Trump administration, and a K-shaped consumer economy continuing to provide investment opportunities [4] - Upcoming earnings reports from notable companies such as Walmart, Deere & Co., Analog Devices, Booking Holdings, DoorDash, and eBay are anticipated, which will further inform market trends and investor sentiment [4]