The earnings season is gradually winding down, having seen significant reports from many of the world’s leading tech companies. Yet, this week promises additional insights with upcoming earnings reports from two more notable firms and three crucial economic indicators. Recent data from FactSet reveals that almost 75% of the 59% of S&P 500 companies that have already reported their quarterly results have exceeded revenue expectations, while an impressive 76% surpassed earnings forecasts. In his recent column, Jim Cramer engaged with last week’s spotlight on major tech firms, declaring a clear winner among them.
As we look ahead, here are five key items that investors are keenly anticipating:
-
DuPont’s Earnings Announcement: Set to release its results on Tuesday morning for the fourth quarter of 2025, DuPont is expected to report earnings of 43 cents per share on revenues of $1.69 billion, based on analysts’ consensus via LSEG. Last week, some profits were taken from DuPont to capitalize on gains during the recent market shift away from technology and momentum stocks. Historically, the firm’s prospects have looked up since the November spin-off of Qnity Electronics, leading to a favorable re-evaluation of its stock. Analysts from JPMorgan highlighted that, while some short-cycle businesses may remain challenged, there are expectations for slight recovery in the automotive sector. Investors will be watching not only for the quarterly results but also for guidance on what lies ahead for the company.
-
Cisco Systems’ Reporting: On Wednesday evening, Cisco is slated to report its fiscal second-quarter earnings for 2026, with analysts anticipating earnings of $1.02 per share on revenues of $15.1 billion. The focus will primarily be on artificial intelligence momentum. CEO Chuck Robins previously mentioned a significant multi-year renewal cycle in campus networking infrastructure, which is particularly relevant as AI integration escalates. Key areas of interest will include the volume of AI orders, particularly from major clients, as well as the impact of rising memory costs on pricing. A turnaround in Cisco’s previously lagging security division is not anticipated, making the performance of their AI segment critical to determining investor sentiment.
-
January Employment Report: Coming from the Labor Department on Wednesday morning, this essential economic report was initially slated for release last Friday but was postponed due to a recent government shutdown. The health of the job market is crucial for investors, given that private consumption, representing around two-thirds of U.S. GDP, is significantly influenced by employment trends. Economists predict an increase of 80,000 nonfarm payrolls and a stable unemployment rate of 4.4%, alongside a projected monthly wage increase of 0.3%.
-
Consumer Price Index for January: On Friday morning, the consumer price index report will compete with the employment data in terms of importance. Economists are forecasting a 2.5% year-over-year rise in the headline CPI, alongside a 2.6% increase in the core rate, which omits volatile food and energy costs. While the Federal Reserve prefers tracking inflation via the core PCE price index, CPI remains a crucial barometer, particularly regarding persistent inflation in areas such as housing costs.
-
Retail Sales for December: Also scheduled for Tuesday morning, this report will offer an examination of consumer spending during the critical holiday shopping season. A 0.4% monthly rise is anticipated, providing valuable insights into consumer behavior and expenditure levels, although it does not take inflation into account.
As we move through the week, various other earnings announcements are on the horizon. Before the bell on February 9, companies like Cleveland-Cliffs, Apollo Global Management, and others will report, while higher-profile names such as Robinhood, Lyft, and Ford will follow in the after-hours session. Key economic indicators scheduled include the Empire State Index and the NAHB Housing Market Index on Monday, alongside additional reports on initial jobless claims and the consumer price index on subsequent days.
Overall, market participants will remain closely attuned to these developments, as the insights garnered from these reports can shape future investment strategies and inform expectations of economic health moving forward.
