The markets on Friday got a lift from strong economic numbers out of the manufacturing sector along with a tame inflation report. This data helped calm investors nerves from the disappointing earnings results provided last week by Alcoa (NYSE: AA) results, JPM Chase (NYSE: JPM) results, Google (Nasdaq:GOOG) results and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) results. As you peruse their earnings results, seemingly all of these companies had relatively strong quarters. However, expectations are so high and stock prices have lifted in anticipation of Q1 results, companies really need to outperform in all areas of their balance sheets.

That said, a look ahead to this upcoming week will provide further insight into the health of corporate America. Earnings results are scheduled to come out of the likes of Citigroup (NYSE: C), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), American Express (NYSE: AXP), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), General Electric (NYSE: GE) and McDonalds Corp (NYSE: MCD) just to name a few. So hang on to your hats for this upcoming week should be a doozy.

Have a very prosperous week 🙂

~George