Investors are braced for a barrage of earnings news, and the debate in Washington around the next stimulus package may also be an important catalyst for markets since it has implications for the economic recovery. Big tech names, including Microsoft, Intel, Twitter and IBM, are among companies reporting in the week ahead, as is high-flying Tesla. Blue chips Coca-Cola, Verizon, American Express and Travelers are also among the dozens of major companies releasing results. Congress returns from its break and should pick up the pace of negotiations towards a new fiscal stimulus package, which is expected to address aid for state and local governments and enhanced unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits, including the $600 additional weekly payment now going to millions, is expected to be a hot topic of discussion, as the benefit ends on July 31. There are just a few items of note on the economic calendar, including existing home sales on Wednesday, unemployment claims data on Thursday and new home sales on Friday. The spread of the COVID-19 will also be closely monitored, as well as any signs of medical progress. The Lancet medical journal is expected to release early stage human trial data Monday on a vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca.
Tesla (TSLA) – As far as earnings plays go this week, Tesla is a must watch if you’d like an opportunity to make some dough. Up or down nobody truly knows but I have a hunch that we are going to space!
Microsoft (MSFT) – Earnings play again as Microsoft has done nothing but go up during this crisis. I expect more of the same this week.
AstraZeneca (AZN) – Reporting human trail stats on Monday for COVID.. Again I don’t believe they are even close to a cure/vaccine so all this positive stock movement will not last long..
American Express (AXP) – Straight earnings play. These payment processors have an edge during these times. Nobody wants to accept cash which should give a boost to stocks like this, Visa and newly minted credit card Apple (MasterCard).
Novavax (NVAX) – Again, another COVID stock up MASSIVELY on rumors and hope. Not as bullish as the average person on this one here.