Alibaba Earnings, Fed Minutes and UBS 2.4% Q4 GDP Forecast to Shape Shares
Fed minutes and preliminary Q4 GDP—UBS forecasts 2.4% growth and a 0.36% December PCE increase—release Thursday and Friday, potentially shifting tech momentum ahead of Alibaba’s earnings. An AI-driven sell-off has pushed some tech valuations lower, while Chinese New Year spending trends could heighten volatility in Alibaba shares.
1. Alibaba’s Upcoming Earnings Report
Alibaba Group prepares to release quarterly results this week alongside Walmart and Palo Alto Networks. Market participants will focus on revenue growth in core commerce and cloud segments as key global economic data emerges.
2. Federal Reserve January Meeting Minutes
The Fed’s minutes for the January policy meeting will be published Thursday, offering insights into rate decisions and the timeline for potential cuts. Investors will analyze commentary on inflation risks and labor market strength to gauge monetary policy direction.
3. Preliminary Q4 GDP and PCE Forecast
Initial data scheduled Friday includes fourth-quarter GDP and December PCE figures. UBS projects 2.4% annualized GDP growth and a 0.36% rise in core PCE prices, reflecting resilient consumer spending and strong equipment investment.
4. Tech Valuations and Lunar New Year Consumer Trends
A recent AI-driven sell-off has trimmed valuations across the tech sector, potentially creating more attractive entry points for shares. Meanwhile, Chinese New Year spending patterns may introduce short-term volatility in consumer-focused stocks like Alibaba.