Big Earnings Week Kicks Off Friday

Today brings a cluster of major S&P 500 reports. AFL (Aflac) kicks off at midday, followed by AIG at 12:30 and power producer VST (Vistra Corp) at 2pm. Gaming giant TTWO (Take-Two Interactive) also reports today. All four are confirmed earnings events.

The week's biggest name may be SPG (Simon Property Group), America's largest mall operator. It reports Monday evening. Retail real estate investors will watch closely for consumer spending signals.

Europe leads in volume this week. Over 1,100 companies report across the continent. Japan is particularly active today. Japan Post Holdings and energy firm ENEOS Holdings both release results. These Japanese names give a read on Asia's economic momentum.

No IPOs are scheduled in the next seven days. The pipeline remains dry for now.

Across sectors, energy and financials dominate the calendar. PPL Corporation reports today alongside the insurers. The concentration in financials and utilities suggests the market will get a clear view of defensive sector health this week.

Watch VST closely. The power company has surged on AI data centre demand. Its results could move energy stocks broadly.