Equity markets began the week on an upswing, with the S&P 500 rising more than 1.5% at the session's high. The move was driven by some better-than-expected earnings reports and the hopes the FOMC will be lenient on Wednesday. The FOMC is expected to release its next policy move on Wednesday, and for that to be no change to base rates. However, the market should be ready for a hawkish statement. Inflation has cooled from its highs but remains hotter than target and will keep the Fed hawkish for the next year.

This week will bring a host of earnings reports with more than 150 S&P 500 companies slated to report. By the end of the week, more than 75% of the index will have reported bringing the season to its penultimate segment: retail. Until then, the season is unfolding largely as expected, with earnings growth in the low single digits and the consensus estimate for Q4 falling sharply.