Earnings next week: Big Tech takes center stage

Earnings season has so far been supportive for equities, with roughly 80%–85% of S&P 500 companies beating estimates and aggregate profits tracking toward about 13%–16% year‑over‑year growth. Gains are concentrated in technology and energy, helping push major indices toward record highs, but forward guidance has been mixed amid geopolitical and cost uncertainties. Next week is pivotal: Big Tech (Microsoft, Meta, Amazon midweek; Apple on Thursday) will dominate the calendar and likely dictate market direction, while Visa, UPS, Eli Lilly and energy names (Exxon, Chevron) will provide cross‑sector readings on consumer health, healthcare demand and energy prices. Results and guidance around Wednesday–Thursday will be the primary drivers of near‑term sentiment and risk appetite.