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 earnings season according to the text?

What are analysts forecasting for the S&P 500 earnings per share in the first quarter?

What do companies need to discuss in the upcoming weeks according to the text?

How have sales forecasts changed since January for the sectors mentioned?

What does the blue line on the graph represent, and how has it changed?