The first earnings season of 2026 kicks off this week, with several major financial institutions leading the way. Keep an eye on JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), Citigroup (NYSE: C), BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), and Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS). These early reports often set the tone for the rest of earnings season, and their results and commentary should offer a good read on the health of the economy and consumer sentiment. This matters even more now, given the recent lack of reliable government data and ongoing questions about the accuracy of official reports. Company earnings tend to reflect what is actually happening on the ground, making this week’s updates especially valuable for understanding how financial leaders are approaching 2026.
On the economic front, a number of key reports are due, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), and U.S. retail sales. Several Federal Reserve officials will also be speaking throughout the week. Inflation data is expected to stay mostly in line with forecasts or slightly cooler, continuing the trend from late 2025. Still, there is growing debate about how accurate government economic figures really are, and that skepticism could color market reactions. The same goes for retail sales numbers. Fed comments should not cause major waves unless policymakers signal a different view on rate cuts, which are expected and remain a critical factor after the recent soft employment data.
With valuations still on the high side, a sustained move higher in the market seems unlikely even if early earnings and guidance are solid. More meaningful upside may develop later in the season as additional sectors report. But if results, commentary, or data reveal signs of economic weakness, markets could see a sharper pullback in the near term.
Monday
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Tuesday
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Earnings: JPM
Wednesday
Producers Price Index (PPI), US Retail Sales
Earnings: BAC C WFC
Thursday
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Earnings: GS BLK MS
Friday
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Tracking This Week
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Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) faced consistent selling pressure last quarter as trade tensions raised margin concerns and U.S. comparable sales came in below expectations. However, the stock appeared oversold given that growth remained solid and new warehouse 12 month annualized sales outpaced those of prior years. Investors seem to be taking notice as they rotate into high-quality names to start 2026. If momentum holds, this trend could continue.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) has been consolidating around current levels for several weeks. The company remains well-positioned in the near term, relatively insulated from broader macroeconomic headwinds thanks to its dominant suite of apps and strong advertising reach. Early in the year, fund managers often add to positions they view as undervalued, especially in stocks that may have been trimmed for year-end performance adjustments, and Meta appears to fit that category.
Pinterest (NYSE:PINS) has been largely stagnant since its November earnings report, which missed EPS estimates and carried cautious guidance due to ad-spending weakness. While the company is under pressure in the short term, its user base continues to grow at a healthy double-digit pace. That steady engagement could help support the stock once digital advertising spending stabilizes.
