How earnings and a potential US-China trade deal are driving markets

Corporate Earnings & Market Trends - S&P 500 companies' net profit margins are above their 5-year average for the sixth consecutive quarter, with analysts expecting this trend to continue into next year [1] - The earnings season has been solid, with financials showing strong numbers, particularly from money center banks, driven by trading and investment banking [3] - Industrials are pointing to solid AI infrastructure demand driving their numbers [3] - Tech earnings are expected to be a significant market driver this week [3] - Strong earnings growth is expected heading into next year, with double-digit earnings growth anticipated [12] Economic Factors & Federal Reserve - The market has high expectations for the Federal Reserve to cut rates [4] - A 25 basis points rate cut is largely priced in, with some possibility of the end of Quantitative Tightening (QT) being announced [17] - Markets are starting to price in a third rate cut in January with slightly better than a coin flip probability [20] - Corporate commentary suggests the economic environment remains largely the same, with some caution on hiring but no mass layoffs [15] - The higher-end consumer is holding up well, while the lower-income consumer is struggling with the cumulative impacts of inflation [16] Geopolitical & Trade - Treasury Secretary is confident that they have a framework of a potential deal, which is enough for markets [9] - Removal of trade overhang allows markets to focus on earnings [11][12]