From CNBC:

Corporate profits for the fourth quarter of 2023 have been surprisingly strong, exceeding expectations despite macroeconomic concerns. Major companies like Amazon, Meta, Apple, Chevron, and more have contributed to a notable rise in Q4 growth rates, with the S&P 500 seeing an almost 8% increase in earnings growth compared to three weeks ago. Earnings per share for the S&P 500 as a whole have grown by 7.8%, the highest for the year, with 80% of companies beating estimates. However, while the current earnings figures are strong, they are still significantly below expectations from just four months ago, and future earnings estimates have also decreased.

Despite macroeconomic concerns and reduced consumer sentiment, fourth-quarter corporate profits have been surprisingly strong, with major companies such as Amazon, Meta, Apple, Chevron, and more contributing to a significant rise in Q4 growth rates. Earnings per share for the S&P 500 as a whole have grown by 7.8%, the highest for the year, with 80% of companies beating estimates. However, while the current earnings figures are strong, they are still significantly below expectations from just four months ago, and future earnings estimates have also decreased.



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