For the first time in months, stock analysts have turned net pessimistic about the earnings outlook for US companies, driven by fears that inflation and rising interest rates will erode corporate profits. A gauge from Citigroup reveals that the number of analysts lowering earnings estimates exceeded those raising them for the first time in 23 weeks, thereby ending the longest streak of upward earnings revisions since September 2021.

"The weakness is largely coming from the consumer sector, including both staples and discretionary, as well as materials and financials," said Stephan Kemper, Chief Investment Officer at BNP Paribas Wealth Management Germany. "I believe these downward estimate revisions can be directly attributed to the combined impact of rising living costs and higher energy prices."

Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Wilson warned earlier this week that if equity valuations continue their recent slide and further increases in energy prices prompt tighter monetary policy, the S&P 500 index could face a decline of up to 7%.