info@learn-to-trade.com
Call us: 416-510-5560
Blog

Third Quarter Earnings Outlook Appears to Be Holding Back the Stock Market

U.S. Stocks Showing Signs of Weakness Ahead of Earnings Season

North American stocks continue to perform well overall, but there are headwinds that could stall that momentum. The unexpected call for President Trump to be impeached, the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, and a slowing global economy are just a few of the issues that could derail the bull market. Or rather, are beginning to. The stock market is a forward looking indicator, and third quarter earnings expectations are not looking good. This suggests the markets will face downward pressure.

There are many, many reasons why the broader stock market rises and falls. In the lead-up to earnings season, investors take stalk in what Wall Street CEOs are expecting. If they are optimistic, the bulls step in; but if they’re not, investors hesitate and buying slows down. That’s what we’re beginning to see right now.

The third quarter of fiscal 2019, which ended September 30, has wrapped up and earnings season is, once again, upon us. It’s time for corporate Canada and America to show us how they’re performing. The economic indicators suggest the U.S. and Canadian economies are performing well. But again, concerns about a trade war between the two largest economies in the world and how it will affect stocks cannot be discounted. There are signs that cracks are beginning to appear on Wall Street and Bay Street.

For the third quarter, the estimated earnings decline for S&P 500 stocks is -3.8%. If that is the actual decline for the third quarter, it will be the first time the S&P 500 has reported three consecutive quarters of year-over-year declines since the fourth quarter of 2015 through to the second quarter of 2016. This would also represent the largest year-over-year decline in earnings since the first quarter of 2016 (-6.9%).1

The earnings outlook for stocks has becoming increasingly worse. Back on June 30, the estimated earnings decline for the S&P 500 was “just” -0.6%. Compared to June 30, all 11 sectors have lowered their growth rates as a result of downward earnings per share (EPS) estimates.

While only 113 S&P 500 companies have issued earnings guidance for the third quarter, 82 of them (72.5%) have issued negative EPS guidance. The percentage of S&P 500 listed companies issuing negative EPS guidance is above the five-year average of 70%.

But what about revenue? After all, there are a lot of reasons why a company may need to lower its earnings guidance. Revenue on the other hand, some may argue, is a better indicator as to the health of the broader economy.

The projected year-over-year revenue growth rate for the third quarter is a paltry 2.8%; far below the five-year average of 3.5%. The difference might not sound like much, but it’s a 20% drop in revenue. Should 2.8% be the actual growth rate for the third quarter, it will be the lowest revenue growth rate on the S&P 500 since the third quarter of 2016, when it was 2.7%.

Learn-To-Trade.com, Canada’s Leader in Stock Market Trading Courses

Investors are focused on a potential U.S. recession in 2020, but third quarter earnings projections suggest North American equities are facing headwinds today. There’s no need for investors to run for the exits though. Whether stocks are rising or falling, the trading experts at Learn-To-Trade.com teach you how to profit no matter what the broader markets are doing.

Learn-To-Trade.com is the oldest and leading provider of stock market trading courses in Canada. Over the years, the professional traders at Learn-To-Trade.com have taught thousands of investors, of every skill level, to trade more confidently and profit more consistently.

At Learn-To-Trade.com, we understand that investors have different needs, that’s why we provide a unique, Lifetime Membership that allows you to re-attend any part of the program as often as you’d like.

To learn more about Learn-To-Trade.com’s stock market trading course, contact us at 416-510-5560 or by e-mail at info@learn-to-trade.com.

Sources:

  1. “Earnings Insight,” Factset, September 20, 2019; https://www.factset.com/hubfs/Resources%20Section/Research%20Desk/Earnings%20Insight/EarningsInsight_092019A.pdf.

Photo credit: iStock.com/jmiks

George Karpouzis

George Karpouzis is the co-founder of Learn-to-Trade and has been personally providing education and mentoring to over 3000 members since 1999. George has been trading in the stocks, options, futures and forex markets using technical analysis since 1986. With the help of advancements in trading technology the Learn To Trade program is now accessible worldwide. His background and passion for teaching brings an invaluable asset to our members. George is constantly striving to improve the program content and develop new strategic relationships for the benefit of the members.

Recent Posts

  • Blog

Odds of Big Interest Cut Increases as September Inflation Falls to 1.6%

The odds of the Bank of Canada making an oversized, 50-basis-point interest rate cut when…

8 months ago
  • Blog

Are Falling Interest Rates Good for the Canadian Dollar?

The Canadian dollar has not exactly been having a good year against its American counterpart.…

9 months ago
  • Blog

Energy Stocks Back in the Spotlight as Tensions in the Middle East Escalate

Earlier this year Energy was one of the better-performing sectors, rising 17% from January to…

9 months ago
  • Blog

S&P 500, Dow, and TSX Surge to Record Highs After Fed’s Big Interest Rate Cut

The U.S. Federal Reserve made a big splash, announcing an oversized interest rate cut; a…

9 months ago
  • Blog

Stock Market Rebounds, But Smaller U.S. Rate Cut Expected

September is living up to its reputation as being one of the worst months for…

10 months ago
  • Blog

Bank of Canada Announces Third Straight Interest Rate Cut

The Bank of Canada cut its overnight lending rate, which impacts interest rates charged for…

10 months ago