Making Sense

In Brief: Federal Reserve policy | Mega-cap tech earnings | Geopolitical developments 05.18.2026

Markets continue to climb, with equities reaching new highs alongside strong earnings growth—but rising inflation, higher interest rates, and energy risks are also in focus. In this episode, we cover the latest market momentum, what to watch in upcoming Federal Reserve communications, and the megacap tech earnings rally. We also highlight the importance of global oil flows and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Key topics: Fed policy, earnings trends, and geopolitical developments.

In Brief: Inflation data | Retail sales | Q1 earnings season results 05.11.2026

Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, covers what to watch in the week ahead. U.S. equities pushed to fresh all‑time highs last week, with the S&P 500 now more than 15% above its late‑March lows. This move reflects more than geopolitics, as corporate earnings results—particularly for mega‑cap technology—continue to outperform expectations. Fresh economic data comes out next week, with April CPI, PPI, and retail sales data arriving alongside the final stretch of a blockbuster Q1 earnings season. Episode highlights Equities at record highs: The S&P 500 continues to reset highs with strong Q1 corporate earnings and margin growth Inflation in focus: Headline CPI expected near 3.7–3.8% YoY, with energy prices remaining elevated PPI insight: Key signal on whether producers are absorbing higher input costs or passing them through the supply chain Retail sales watch: High gasoline prices likely boost nominal spending, so a closer look at core categories is necessary Earnings momentum: About 83% of S&P 500 companies have beaten expectations so far for Q1

In Brief: Job openings | Unemployment data | Fed commentary 05.01.2026

Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, discusses what to watch in the week ahead. U.S. equities hit new all-time highs alongside rising oil prices as markets focused on strong mega cap tech earnings, resilient growth, and an AI driven investment boom that supported solid Q1 GDP. We recap the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady amid rare dissents and preview key labor market data, explaining why slower job growth doesn’t necessarily point to recession—and what to watch this week. Key Topics • Stock market highs and oil prices • AI investment and economic growth • Federal Reserve policy and dissents • JOLTS, payrolls, and unemployment • Market risks and weekly catalysts

Market Update | April 2026

In April’s market update, Phillip Neuhart and Blake Taylor break down how global events—including the war in the Middle East—and rapid advances in artificial intelligence are shaping energy markets, inflation, and investor sentiment. Despite a sharp oil price shock and elevated geopolitical risk, U.S. equities have remained resilient, supported by strong corporate earnings and improving fundamentals. What might higher energy prices mean for consumers—and for economic growth in the months ahead? Phil and Blake also put today’s AI investment wave into historical context—from railroads and electrification to the rise of the internet. They explore why this surge matters, how quickly adoption is spreading across industries, and what this buildout could mean for productivity, corporate margins, and the labor market. For more information, visit https://www.firstcitizens.com/wealth/market-outlook/2026/making-sense-april-market-update.

In Brief: Q1 earnings season | Federal Reserve meeting | Q1 GDP data

Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, shares what to watch in the week ahead. 1. Q1 Earnings season 2. Federal Reserve meeting 3. GDP data 4. Price and inflation data