Industry Analysts Trimming Earnings

Industry analysts continue to trim their estimates for S&P 500 earnings for each of this year's four quarters (chart).  They may continue to do so if company managements provide cautious earnings guidance during the current earnings reporting season.

Nevertheless, as of the January 12 week, the analysts still expected that earnings will increase 4.0% this year compared to last year from $219.46 per share to $228.27. Next year, they currently expect a 10.7% increase to $252.61 (chart).