The Stock Market’s Fate Rests on $10 Trillion Big Tech Earnings

Investors eager to forecast the trajectory of the S&P 500 in the coming month are advised to closely monitor three pivotal days this week. The focus lies on Tuesday through Thursday, during which five colossal technology giants boasting a combined market value exceeding $10 trillion—Microsoft Corp., Alphabet Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., Amazon.com Inc., and Apple Inc.—are slated to release their earnings reports. Concurrently, the Federal Reserve is set to announce its decision on interest rates, followed by Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference, where he is anticipated to provide insights into the future economic landscape.

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The significance of these events cannot be overstated, as the S&P 500 Index advances further into uncharted territory, driven by speculation that central bankers are preparing to initiate monetary policy adjustments and the escalating value of tech titans such as Microsoft. Chris Zaccarelli, Chief Investment Officer at Independent Advisor Alliance, emphasizes the critical role that the tech sector plays, stating, “Tech disproportionately moved the market last year, and big tech continues to have the biggest earnings power, so the results will be crucial for the markets.”

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Following a tentative start to the year, the S&P 500 is on an upward trajectory, poised for a third consecutive monthly gain exceeding 18% since late October. This resurgence gained momentum after the index reached a short-term low, and Federal Reserve officials signaled the cessation of rate hikes. The resurgence is once again led by mega-cap companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, Nvidia, and Meta Platforms, which were major contributors to the index's 24% surge the previous year, fueled by investor fascination with the potential of artificial intelligence services.

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The so-called Magnificent Seven, including Tesla Inc., currently constitutes a record 29% of the S&P 500, despite Tesla's recent market value decline exceeding $200 billion this month. Microsoft and Alphabet, positioned at the forefront of the AI boom due to substantial investments, are set to kick off earnings reports on Tuesday after markets close. Investors are banking on these companies reaping the rewards of their AI endeavors, anticipating a boost in profit and sales growth.

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Wednesday brings attention to the conclusion of the Federal Reserve’s January meeting, widely expected to maintain interest rates for the fourth consecutive meeting. Market participants will closely scrutinize Powell's statements regarding the timing of potential monetary easing, given recent data showing receding inflation and resilient US economic growth.

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The climax of the week occurs on Thursday, featuring Apple's earnings report alongside Amazon and Meta Platforms. Apple, grappling with concerns about revenue growth, is anticipated to report its first sales expansion in four quarters. With most mega-cap stocks reaching record levels, there is growing concern about overexposure to a limited number of stocks, which could spell trouble if quarterly results fall short.

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Despite the acknowledgment of a crowded trade in the Bank of America survey of fund managers, traders appear reluctant to secure hedges against potential declines, as reflected in options market data. Projected volatility for major players like Apple and Meta Platforms is at multi-year lows, indicating a lack of immediate concern about significant price swings.

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While the magnification of Tesla's risks from last week's earnings miss is acknowledged, and Microsoft recently surpassing Apple as the world’s most valuable company raises eyebrows, some experts argue that the megacap trade, though crowded, may persist in its rally amid slowing economic growth and easing financial conditions. Jason Benowitz, Senior Portfolio Manager at CI Roosevelt, suggests, “There’s a good reason for the crowded trade. The environment is good for them.”

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