Earnings Season Just Dropped: What Now for Traders? July 24, 2026

— Ben, Find Better Trades

It’s here. Earnings season just kicked off on July 24, 2026. Forget the noise, this is what actually moves markets.

What Just Happened

Companies are reporting their quarterly results right now. This is where the rubber meets the road. Sales, profits, guidance – it all hits the wires.

MarketWatch is talking about “hope for stocks amid earnings season.” That’s the bullish spin. But they also flagged “rough waters signaled by the bond market.” Those are conflicting signals.

What It Means for Your Trades

This is a trader’s paradise if you play it right. Implied volatility will jump before reports, offering juicy premiums. You can sell premium into that, but be smart about your strikes.

Or, if you’re a directional player, you need to be surgical. Look for names with clear catalysts, not just hype. Tech and growth stocks are always wild cards here, they can gap huge.

Financials will be key given the bond market’s “rough waters.” Watch banks and brokers closely; their guidance on lending and rates will tell us a lot about the real economy’s health. Energy and industrials also need a close eye.

Don’t forget the “advice from the Moneyist” angle. Retail investors are looking for answers, and their sentiment can drive some irrational moves in popular, high-volume names. Spot those crowded trades and fade them if you dare.

My Take

My read right now? Wait for the dust to settle. We’re seeing mixed signals from the market. “Hope for stocks” versus “rough waters” in bonds isn’t a clear picture yet. It’s a setup for chop.

I want to see the first wave of actual numbers, not just projections. I need to see how companies are really performing, especially their forward guidance. That’s the real driver.

This isn’t the time to guess or chase. It’s the time to observe, identify strong trends or breakdowns, and then attack with conviction. Patience pays here.

Conviction: moderate — headline risk remains

Macro Pulse FAQ

Q: How does earnings season affect stock prices?

A: Stock prices can swing wildly based on earnings reports. Good news sends them up, bad news sends them down, often by double digits.

Q: Should I buy options before earnings?

A: Buying options right before earnings is risky because implied volatility usually crushes option prices after the report, even if you’re directionally right.

Q: What sectors are most impacted by earnings?

A: Tech, consumer discretionary, and financials often see the biggest moves. Their growth outlooks are highly sensitive to results.