U.S. Earnings Outlook Turns Negative for First Time in 23 Weeks
Citi’s earnings-revision index shows more analysts cutting profit forecasts than raising them as inflation and higher interest rates threaten corporate profits.
U.S. corporate earnings expectations have turned net negative for the first time in 23 weeks, signaling a shift toward greater caution as inflation and higher interest rates threaten profits.
Citi’s earnings-revision index now shows more analysts lowering profit forecasts than raising them. The change ends the longest stretch of net upward revisions since September 2021.
The shift comes as persistent inflation and elevated interest rates raise concerns about companies’ ability to sustain earnings growth. Further energy-price increases could also prompt tighter monetary policy, adding another potential pressure on profits.
The change marks a reversal in the direction of analyst expectations after nearly six months of net upgrades.
