S&P 500 Index Nears Record—Can Walmart Earnings Keep the Rally Going?

Earnings Week Kicks Off With Walmart, Alibaba, and Key Fed Insights

Stock and bond markets are closed Monday for Presidents Day, but the week ahead is packed with earnings from major companies, Federal Reserve meeting minutes, and key economic data. Walmart (WMT), Alibaba (BABA), Baidu (BIDU), Carvana (CVNA), and Rivian (RIVN) are among the high-profile names reporting, while investors will also analyze Fed commentary and housing sector indicators for further economic direction.

Walmart Earnings: Can the Retail Giant Maintain Its Momentum?

Walmart leads the corporate earnings calendar with its report scheduled for Thursday. The retail giant’s previous quarter showed strong e-commerce growth and rising advertising revenue, and analysts expect the company to post Q4 earnings of $0.65 per share on revenue of $178.8 billion. Investors will look for insight into consumer spending trends and the company’s market share gains, especially among higher-income shoppers.

Alibaba and Baidu: Will China’s Tech Titans Deliver?

Alibaba and Baidu are also set to report, with Alibaba’s results coming as the company reportedly collaborates with Apple to develop AI-driven features for iPhones in China. Alibaba’s last earnings report showed strong profitability, though sales fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, Baidu will provide an update on its cloud and AI businesses, which have been critical for its growth. Investors will be watching for signs of improvement in China’s e-commerce sector after recent economic uncertainty.

Carvana Faces Scrutiny: Is the Turnaround Real?

Carvana, the online used-car retailer, is under pressure following short-seller Hindenburg Research’s skepticism about its financial turnaround. Analysts will examine its revenue and profitability trends, particularly its ability to sustain growth in a high-interest-rate environment. The stock has been highly volatile, and traders will be watching for any forward guidance that could impact sentiment.

Rivian’s Earnings: Can the EV Maker Stay Competitive?

Electric vehicle maker Rivian reports this week, with investors closely watching production targets, delivery numbers, and potential pricing adjustments. The EV sector remains highly competitive, with Tesla and legacy automakers aggressively cutting prices. Rivian’s ability to manage costs and improve margins will be key factors in determining how the stock reacts post-earnings.

What Economic Data and Fed Insights Could Move Markets?

The Federal Reserve will release minutes from its January meeting on Wednesday, offering traders insight into policymakers’ rate decisions and potential future moves. The market will be looking for any signs of shifting sentiment regarding interest rate cuts. Several Fed officials, including Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, are scheduled to speak throughout the week, which could provide additional clarity on the Fed’s stance.

Housing market data will also be in focus, with January housing starts and building permits released on Wednesday. Existing home sales data is due Friday, following recent reports that sales hit a 30-year low. The homebuilder confidence index on Tuesday will shed light on the outlook for new residential construction.

Market Outlook: What’s Next for Traders?

With corporate earnings, economic data, and Fed signals all in play, traders will be weighing consumer strength, interest rate expectations, and sector performance. Strong results from Walmart and Alibaba could boost confidence in consumer and e-commerce stocks, while any signals of a softer economic outlook from the Fed or weak housing data may influence broader market sentiment.

Tech and energy stocks will also be closely watched, with semiconductor firm Analog Devices (ADI), cloud networking leader Arista Networks (ANET), and oil majors Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and Devon Energy (DVN) among the other key names reporting this week. Traders will be looking for opportunities based on earnings surprises, forward guidance, and macroeconomic developments.

More Information in our Economic Calendar.