05/28/2026
Markets don't rise on optimism alone. They rise when earnings support the story.
Over the past year, S&P 500 earnings expectations held relatively steady. But in recent weeks, analysts have significantly revised forecasts higher as companies delivered stronger-than-expected results and improved guidance.
The consensus Q1 2026 earnings estimate now stands at $80.78 per share, a notable jump from where expectations sat for much of the past year.
While headlines and sentiment often drive short-term market movements, earnings remain one of the most important drivers of long-term stock performance. The recent rally isn't just being supported by enthusiasm. It's increasingly being supported by improving fundamentals.
Source: Exhibit A, FactSet Research Systems Inc., Standard & Poor's. Past performance is not indicative of future results.