Bloomberg Intelligence's 'Equity Market Minute' 4/11/2019

Gina Martin Adams discusses the challenging earnings season for the S&P 500, emphasizing the importance of company outlooks over first-quarter results. Analysts expect a 4% decline in earnings but foresee recovery in the second half. Sales forecasts are rising, indicating that the issue is not with global economic growth. Companies need to focus on operating efficiency and cost cuts. Despite improved sales forecasts, earnings forecasts remain stagnant, with EBIT moving sideways.

What is the main focus of the current earnings season according to the introduction?

• First-quarter results

• Interest rates

• Company outlooks

• Global economic growth

What is the expected change in S&P 500 earnings per share for the first quarter?

• 4% increase

• No change

• 4% decline

• 10% decline

Which quarter is expected to see less marked down expectations for recovery?

• First quarter

• Second quarter

• Third quarter

• Fourth quarter

What is the trend in sales forecasts for seven of the 11 sectors since January?

• Improvement

• Decline

• Significant decline

• No change

What strategy is suggested for companies to achieve recovery?

• Improve operating efficiency and cost cuts

• Expand into new markets

• Increase marketing expenses

• Increase product prices