Third Quarter Sector Earnings Growth Estimates

Yes, earnings still matter, and the third quarter reporting period is coming up at the start of October.  Below we highlight Q3 earnings growth estimates as they currently stand and where they stood a month ago. 

As shown, Q3 S&P 500 earnings are expected to decline by 5% versus the third quarter of 2007.  A month ago they were expected to rise by 1.3%.  Seven of the ten S&P 500 sectors have seen a decline in earnings expectations over the last month.  Financials have seen the biggest decline, followed by Consumer Discretionary, Energy and Materials.  The three sectors that have seen earnings expectations increase are Utilities, Industrials and Technology.

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