Markets Face Pivotal Week with Earnings, Inflation Data, and Oil Prices in Focus

Investors brace for a high-stakes week as nearly 10% of S&P 500 companies prepare to report quarterly earnings. The deluge of corporate results coincides with critical U.S. economic releases—including inflation metrics, crude oil inventories, and consumer sentiment data—that could sway market trajectories. Even crypto markets may see Ripple effects from macroeconomic shifts.

With federal data disruptions persisting, flash PMI surveys from S&P Global take on heightened importance. October's preliminary readings across the U.S., UK, eurozone, and Asia will test whether September's growth deceleration marks a trend or temporary pause. Markets have already priced in the Fed's next rate cut, but fresh data could recalibrate expectations.

China's economic slowdown came into sharper focus with Q3 GDP cooling to 4.7% amid broad-based weakness in retail sales and industrial output. Meanwhile, European business activity shows tentative signs of resilience, though energy markets remain volatile.