Group 1 - The fourth quarter earnings season has commenced with reports from Delta Air Lines and JPMorgan Chase, with more bank earnings expected later in the week [1][5] - Wall Street analysts predict an 8.3% earnings per share growth rate for S&P 500 companies in Q4, marking the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings growth if realized [2] - Analysts have increased earnings expectations for tech companies, which have been significant contributors to earnings growth in recent quarters, with a prior estimate of 7.2% for Q4 [3] Group 2 - The earnings season will test the improved stock market breadth observed at the beginning of 2026, with ongoing themes such as artificial intelligence and economic policies from the Trump administration influencing market dynamics [4] - Major financial companies scheduled to report earnings this week include Bank of New York Mellon, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley [5]

Core Insights - The fourth quarter earnings season is beginning with reports from Delta Air Lines and JPMorgan Chase, with additional bank earnings expected later in the week [1][5] - Analysts predict an 8.3% earnings per share growth rate for S&P 500 companies in Q4, marking the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings growth if this rate is achieved [2] - Earnings expectations have been raised for tech companies, which have been significant contributors to earnings growth in recent quarters [3] Earnings Expectations - The consensus estimate for S&P 500 fourth quarter earnings growth was previously at 7.2% as of September 30, indicating an upward revision in expectations [3] - Major financial companies reporting this week include Bank of New York Mellon, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, alongside Delta and JPMorgan [5] Market Themes - The earnings season will test the improved stock market breadth observed at the start of 2026, with ongoing themes such as artificial intelligence and economic policies from the Trump administration continuing to influence market dynamics [4]

The fourth quarter earnings season kicked off in earnest on Tuesday with the arrival of quarterly reports from Delta Air Lines (DAL) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM). Additional bank earnings will highlight the earnings calendar later this week. An optimistic consensus is forming: Wall Street analysts estimate S&P 500 (^GSPC) companies will report an earnings per share growth rate of 8.3% for Q4, according to FactSet data. If that rate holds, it would represent the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings grow ...