Wall Street Week Ahead

Big Tech earnings, Fed decision and inflation data in focus Wall Street faces one of its busiest weeks of the summer, with earnings from four of the Magnificent Seven companies, the Federal Reserve's latest policy decision, and key inflation data all set to test a market trading near record highs. Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta Platforms (META) report Wednesday, followed by Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN) on Thursday. The results are expected to provide another major test of investor appetite for AI spending. The Federal Reserve will announce its latest interest rate decision Wednesday afternoon. Most economists expect policymakers to leave rates unchanged at 3% to 3.25%, with investors instead focused on Chairman Jerome Powell's comments on inflation, economic growth, and the outlook following the recent jump in oil prices. Inflation returns to the spotlight Thursday with the release of the July core PCE price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. Economists expect annual core PCE inflation to rise 3.3%. Durable goods orders on Monday, home price data on Tuesday, and Friday's Brent crude expiration could also move markets. Outside of Big Tech, earnings are due from Visa (V), Boeing (BA), Coca-Cola (KO), Qualcomm (QCOM), Starbucks (SBUX), Shell (SHEL), Coinbase (COIN), Chevron (CVX), ExxonMobil (XOM), and AbbVie (ABBV). Investors will also watch the expected IPO debuts of Jersey Mike's (JMKE) and Ticketplus (TP). Earnings spotlight: Monday, July 27: AstraZeneca (AZN). See the full earnings calendar. Earnings spotlight: Tuesday, July 28: Visa, Coca-Cola, Boeing, Ford (F). See the full earnings calendar. Earnings spotlight: Wednesday, July 29: Microsoft, Meta, P&G (PG), Arm (ARM), Qualcomm. See the full earnings calendar. Earnings spotlight: Thursday, July 30: Apple, Amazon, Mastercard (MA). See the full earnings calendar. Earnings spotlight: Friday, July 31: AbbVie, Chevron (CVX). See the full earnings calendar.

Victor remains bullish on gold, arguing that the long-term investment case is supported by structural economic trends rather than short-term price movements. He explains that decades of monetary expansion, persistent government deficits, and growing global debt have continued to erode confidence in fiat currencies. While recent market expectations surrounding higher interest rates and Federal Reserve policy have created near-term headwinds for gold, Victor believes these factors are temporary and do not alter the metal's long-term trajectory. Looking ahead, Victor identifies rising U.S. fiscal deficits, an expanding national debt, and sustained central bank gold purchase.