The Week Ahead: Fed, GDP and Big Tech Earnings Set the Tone for U.S. Stocks

This week, U.S. equities will be influenced by the Federal Reserve's meeting, inflation data, economic growth figures, and earnings reports from major technology companies. Key economic releases include Core PCE, second-quarter GDP, employment costs, and consumer confidence. Major U.S. indexes remain above their 52-week moving averages despite recent consolidation. Rising oil prices have heightened inflation concerns, potentially leading to a prolonged period of higher interest rates. Earnings from Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Apple, and Amazon will be closely watched for insights into AI spending, profit margins, and revenue growth. Notable earnings reports scheduled include Bank of Hawaii, Cadence Design Systems, F5, Nucor, Universal Health Services, Whirlpool, Boeing, Coca-Cola, PayPal, S&P Global, UPS, Ford Motor, NXP Semiconductors, Seagate Technology, Teradyne, Visa, General Dynamics, Humana, Procter & Gamble, SoFi Technologies, Vertiv, Arm Holdings, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Starbucks, Bristol Myers Squibb, Mastercard, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Trane Technologies, and Valero Energy.