Over the next few weeks, investors will hear about the Q1 business climate from roughly 90 percent of Standard & Poor’s 500 companies. It’s called “Earnings Season,” and it happens four times a year. Investors will hear about the economy from companies operating on the front lines. For example, expect tech companies to provide updates on AI, retailers to provide updates on consumer buying habits, and energy companies to provide updates on oil prices. So while it’s great to hear from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other government agencies about economic measures like consumer inflation and the state of the job market, companies will tell shareholders how they are managing costs, the state of the consumer, and how they are working through geopolitical issues. |
Every quarter, some companies outperform, while others report challenges. But all companies will talk about the business climate, so try to focus beyond the numbers and listen for clues about what may lie ahead. Are there any companies you’re watching? |
Insight.FactSet.com, April 2, 2026 CNBC.com, December 12, 2025 |
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