Nvidia Leads a High-Pressure Earnings Stretch Amid Government Reboot

Investors are heading into a crowded stretch of earnings and economic updates just as the U.S. government restarts operations following a record-breaking 43-day shutdown.

With federal agencies only now returning to work, some reports may still face delays, but most of the week’s key releases are expected to move forward.

The spotlight turns first to Nvidia, which reports on Wednesday. As the most valuable company in the world and the face of the AI boom, its results often set the tone for broader tech sentiment. Last quarter, the chipmaker narrowly beat expectations and reassured markets that AI-related demand is holding up.

Retail is also front and center. Walmart shares its numbers days after announcing that John Furner will take over as CEO early next year. Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, TJX, Ross Stores, and Gap will provide additional clues about consumer spending heading into the holidays.

On the economic front, investors are watching for housing data, including existing-home sales, which remain stuck near historic lows. The release of housing starts could still be impacted by the shutdown. The Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes and the final November consumer-sentiment reading will round out the week, offering fresh insight into how households and policymakers are reacting to recent uncertainty.

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Here’s a streamlined look at what’s ahead:

• Monday: Empire State manufacturing, speeches from NY Fed President Williams, earnings from XPeng and Aramark.
• Tuesday: Homebuilder sentiment, industrial production, earnings from Home Depot, Baidu, PDD, Medtronic, and Klarna.
• Wednesday: Existing-home sales, Fed minutes, and major earnings including Nvidia, Target, Lowe’s, TJX, Palo Alto Networks, and Williams-Sonoma.
• Thursday: Philadelphia Fed survey, leading indicators, jobless claims, earnings from Walmart, Intuit, Ross, and Gap.
• Friday: Final consumer-sentiment reading and PMI data, plus results from BJ’s Wholesale.

And one last note: new research highlights several U.S. cities where landing a six-figure salary is significantly easier – something to keep in mind for anyone weighing a job move.