Three Things to Watch
- First-quarter earnings season kicks off this week with several major financial institutions leading the way. Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and JP Morgan report Monday and Tuesday, with Netflix and Pepsi scheduled for later in the week. Analysts continue to upgrade earnings estimates for full calendar-year 2026, with the Bloomberg estimate for the next 12 months at $325/share for the S&P 500.
- Economic data out this week includes the Producer Price Index (PPI), existing home sales and import prices. Both import prices and PPI are expected to be elevated due to higher energy prices. PPI and core PPI are forecast up 4.6% and 4.1%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis.
- After the failed negotiations between the United States and Iran over the weekend, energy prices are expected to remain volatile.
Three Things to Know
- The per-mile cost to hire a truck to move goods is up to $2.97 per mile, the highest since June 2022. At the same time, the dry-van rate, the most common truck type used for general freight like retail and packaged goods, is up to $2.50 per mile, the highest since May 2022. Both rates have risen roughly +30% since September 2025. (Source: The Kobiessi Letter)
- A new project is happening in San Francisco: artificial intelligence (AI) is being allowed to design and run an entire store. Shoppers will have access to a store built, developed and run almost entirely by an AI bot. AI will even pick the music. (Source: Wall Street Apes)
- The IRS is the largest employer of accountants in the United States. (Source: Mental Bomb)
The above information reflects the current opinion of the author. It is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward-looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security mentioned.