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S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 Slide Ahead of Microsoft (MSFT.O) Earnings

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  • The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 continue their slide following underwhelming earnings reports and poor risk sentiment.
  • Microsoft’s Q4 earnings are anticipated to be $2.94 EPS on revenue of $64.5 billion, with cloud revenue expected to reach $36.8 billion. Investor focus is on AI earnings and future spending plans.
  • JOLTZ job openings exceeded expectations, and coupled with easing inflation, rate cut discussions are prevalent.

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Earning season has surprised many as companies worldwide lower their full-year sales and profit guidance. This comes against a backdrop of rate uncertainty, the China growth picture and rising geopolitical uncertainty.

It would appear that the higher for longer rate environment is finally starting to take its toll on companies.Debate continues to rage on the health of the Chinese economy. Some analysts are of the opinion that the weak demand out of China is down to concerns about the future. The Government has introduced some measures of late, with the hope being that this will bear fruit.

NASDAQ 100 Heatmap

Source:TradingView.com

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, have slid following the US open today, with the tech heavy Nasdaq down as much as 1.45% at the time of writing. Given the underwhelming numbers from high-profile companies this season, so far have been disappointing to say the least. Will Microsoft (MSFT.O) follow in the same vein? 

 Microsoft Earnings Preview

Microsoft (MSFT.)) are delivering their fiscal Q4 results after market close today. For the quarter, Microsoft is projected to report earnings per share of $2.94 on revenue of $64.5 billion, according to Bloomberg data. In the same period last year, Microsoft posted EPS of $2.69 on revenue of $56.2 billion. Cloud revenue is anticipated to reach $36.8 billion, with Intelligent Cloud revenue, including Azure, expected to total $28.7 billion.

Microsoft is widely seen as the frontrunner in the AI race and thus AI earning will be monitored closely. Beyond Microsoft’s AI earnings, investors will be keen to learn about the company’s future spending plans on the technology. In Q3, Microsoft reported $14 billion in capital expenditures, including finance leases, as it continues to expand its AI infrastructure.

Source: Yahoo Finance

US Earnings and Data Releases

Jobs data and the NFP report is due on Friday and today provided the first glimpse at some jobs data. JOLTZ job openings came in higher than expected, this coupled with inflation easing has kept rate cut chatter in overdrive.

There are a host of earnings releases still ahead this week as well as the FOMC meeting. The notable companies ahead include Apple, Amazon and Meta.

Source: SavvyTrader

Technical Analysis on S&P 500

From a technical perspective, the S&P 500 is currently down about 1.2%. The index has been pulled lower primarily by the tech sector, which is down 2.08%, while energy is up 1.22%.

Looking at the chart, the S&P 500 is now very close to last Thursday’s lows around the 5392 mark and appears to be testing the support-turned-resistance at 5421. A break below the 5392 support level could lead to further declines, with support expected around 5330 and 5267.

Conversely, an upward move from here will first need to overcome intraday resistance at 5444 before the 5500 level becomes significant again. Above the 5500 mark, both the 100-day and 200-day moving averages provide resistance ahead of the recently set all-time highs.

S&P 500 Chart, July 25, 2024

Source: TradingView (click to enlarge)

Support

  • 5392
  • 5330
  • 5267

Resistance

  • 5444
  • 5500
  • 5515

Follow Zain on Twitter/X for Additional Market News and Insights @zvawda

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Zain Vawda

Zain Vawda

Market Analyst at OANDA
Zain is an experienced financial markets analyst and educator with a rich tapestry of experience in the world of retail forex, economics, and market analysis. Initially starting out in a sales and business development role, his passion for economics and technical analysis propelled him towards a career as an analyst.

He has spent the last 3 years in an analyst role honing his skills across various financial domains, including technical analysis, economic data interpretation, price action strategies, and analyzing the geopolitical impacts on global markets. Currently, Zain is advancing in obtaining his Capital Markets & Security Analyst (CMSA) designation through the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), where he has completed modules in fixed income fundamentals, portfolio management fundamentals, equity market fundamentals, introduction to capital markets, and derivative fundamentals.

He is also a regular guest on radio and television programs in South Africa, providing insight into global markets and the economy. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of a financial markets course approved by BankSeta (Banking Sector Education and Training Authority) at NQF level 6 in South Africa.
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