The Week Ahead: Can Earings Reach Expectations?

by Jeff Miller, A Dash of Insight The quirks of the calendar have delivered a week that has little fresh economic data. Some will use the quiet period to continue the discussion of politics and the debt ceiling. Others will focus on predictions for the coming year. Most are tired of "the cliff" and will be happy to turn to a new subject: It's time for earnings! This earnings season will be especially important. Here are two key reasons: Forward earnings estimates are at an all-time high. The oft-repeated pundit opinion is that analyst estimates are excessive and must be reduced. The January earnings season often includes full-year guidance. This is always interesting, but perhaps even more so right now. Read more »