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Top Market Takeaways

Q1 2025 earnings season insights

PublishedMay 15, 2025

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

    Top Market Takeaways

      As we reflect on first-quarter earnings season, over 90% of S&P 500 companies have reported their Q1 2025 results. Impressively, 78% of these companies have surpassed earnings per share (EPS) estimates, a testament to their adaptability amidst challenging conditions. This performance not only exceeds the five-year average of 77% but also the 10-year average of 75%. Despite the backdrop of tariff concerns, companies have so far managed to navigate through with various adjustments.


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      A notable aspect of this earnings season is the continued commitment to capital expenditure (capex) despite a dip in CEO confidence. This indicates a strategic focus on long-term growth and expansion, suggesting that companies are prioritizing investments to drive future success despite potential near-term headwinds.

       

      Looking ahead, while tariffs and trade policy shifts pose significant concerns, they also present opportunities. Sectors such as technology, utilities and financials continue to offer promising prospects, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, increased power demand and the potential benefits emanating from deregulation. As we navigate through this current period of volatility, we remain constructive in our outlook on U.S. equities for the year ahead.


      Capex continues to rise despite low confidence


      Sources: Chief Executive Magazine, Bloomberg Finance L.P. Data as of April 30, 2025.  Note: S&P 500 capex is represented by Bloomberg NTM estimates.
      Line chart starting in 2010 showing CEO Confidence Index compared to the S&P 500 capex index from 2011 to 2025.



      All market and economic data as of 05/14/25 are sourced from Bloomberg Finance L.P. and FactSet unless otherwise stated.


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      Global Investment Strategy Team

      J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

      The Global Investment Strategy group provides insights and investment advice to help our clients achieve their long-term goals. They draw on the extensive knowledge and experience of the group’s economists, investment strategists and asset-class s...

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