As we enter the second half of 2023, investors are eagerly anticipating a series of crucial stock market events that could potentially shape the investment landscape in the coming years. From blockbuster earnings releases to highly anticipated economic data, the week ahead promises to be filled with market-moving headlines. Here are five key events to keep an eye on:
Monday, September 11, 2023
Apple Inc. (AAPL) Earnings Release
Apple is scheduled to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings after the market close on Monday. Analysts forecast the tech giant to post revenue of $92.9 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.97, according to FactSet consensus estimates. Investors will be keen to assess the company’s performance amid ongoing supply chain disruptions and macroeconomic pressures.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Consumer Price Index (CPI) Data
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the August CPI data on Tuesday morning. The CPI measures the change in the prices of goods and services purchased by consumers. Economists predict the CPI to have risen by 0.1% month-over-month and 8.1% year-over-year, further underscoring the persistence of inflationary pressures in the economy.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise its benchmark interest rate by another 50 basis points at the conclusion of its two-day policy meeting on Wednesday. The move is part of the central bank’s ongoing efforts to combat inflation by tightening monetary conditions. Investors will scrutinize the Fed’s accompanying statement for clues about the future path of interest rate hikes.
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) Earnings Release
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is set to release its third-quarter earnings after the market close on Thursday. The company is projected to report revenue of $71.78 billion and EPS of $1.33, according to consensus estimates. Traders will be particularly interested in the performance of Google’s advertising business, which accounts for the majority of the company’s revenue.
Friday, September 15, 2023
Nonfarm Payrolls Report
The Labor Department will publish the August nonfarm payrolls report on Friday morning. The data is closely watched by investors as a gauge of the health of the U.S. labor market. Economists forecast the economy to have added 300,000 jobs in August, with the unemployment rate remaining steady at 3.5%. A stronger-than-expected jobs report could further bolster the case for the Fed to continue raising interest rates aggressively.
Conclusion
The week ahead promises to be a pivotal one for the stock market, with a flurry of market-moving events scheduled to take place. Investors should carefully monitor the earnings releases from Apple and Alphabet, as well as the key economic data, to gauge the current state of the economy and its implications for the investment landscape.
Additional Information
- Earnings Season – The reporting season for corporate earnings continues this week, with several other major companies set to release their results.
- Economic Calendar – For a comprehensive list of economic events scheduled for the week, please refer to the economic calendar on the website of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Trading Strategies – Investors can consider various trading strategies to navigate the potential volatility associated with these events, such as hedging with options or adjusting portfolio allocations.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice. Investors should always conduct their own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
