MacroGlideThe Market Thesis

Next Week Outlook

United States Edition

November 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET

Markets Outlook for the week of November 2 – 8, 2026

Midterm Elections and Jobs Data Set to Drive Markets

Is the market ready for the week ahead?

U.S. markets enter the week with Nonfarm Payrolls and the midterm elections in focus, both key drivers for rates and equities. The Nonfarm Payrolls report is forecast to show an increase of 65,000 jobs, while the ISM Manufacturing PMI is expected to edge up to 54.7. Earnings from Apple and AMD add another layer, with consensus EPS estimates at $1.98 and $1.68 respectively, driving attention to tech-sector performance. This mix of macro and company data leaves rates sensitive to job market signals and positions tech shares for volatility. Together, the setup indicates political and labor data keep pressure on policy expectations and support choppy trading in equity benchmarks.

Key Upcoming Events

ISM Manufacturing PMI Released
The ISM Manufacturing PMI is released on November 2. The forecast is 54.7 versus previous 54.5. This release is important now because it provides a read on U.S. factory activity as the economy absorbs shifting global demand and election-related policy uncertainty. Alongside the midterm elections, the direction of manufacturing data will clarify the trajectory for growth expectations in the current macro backdrop. This matters for rates and equities through growth-sensitive positioning.

ADP Employment Change Report
The ADP Employment Change report is released on November 4. The forecast is an increase of 65,000 jobs versus the previous 90,000. This data is relevant now because it signals potential shifts in private-sector hiring ahead of Friday’s official Nonfarm Payrolls report as labor demand cools. Against the backdrop of slower job creation and ongoing Fed policy debate, a sharp drop from 90,000 to 65,000 marks a concrete sign of softening. This will impact treasury yields and equities through labor market expectations.

ISM Services PMI Released
The ISM Services PMI is released on November 4. Consensus is 54.8 versus the previous 54.9. This gauge matters because services represent the bulk of U.S. economic activity, and stable prints near 55 suggest steady, not overheating, expansion in the current demand environment. Alongside modest job gains and contained wage growth, a steady ISM Services PMI informs views on the health of domestic consumption in the current macro backdrop. This data is key for stocks and treasury yields through demand-side expectations.

Nonfarm Payrolls Report Released
The Nonfarm Payrolls report is released on November 6. The forecast is an increase of 65,000 jobs, up from 29,000 previously. This is central now because it measures net employment growth at a time when labor market momentum is under scrutiny. Given current labor conditions and the policy backdrop, a step up from 29,000 to 65,000 will be interpreted as a possible sign of stabilization rather than acceleration, especially alongside soft ADP and moderate wage growth signals. This will move treasury yields and equity indexes through labor market and Fed policy expectations.

Apple Inc. Earnings Report
Apple Inc. (AAPL) reports earnings on November 2. The EPS estimate is $1.98 versus previous $1.91. This update is important now because it tests the strength of Big Tech earnings breadth after widespread weakness in tech stocks last week. In the current market regime, Apple’s numbers and management commentary are a bellwether for both consumer demand and tech sector resilience, especially after the Nasdaq’s recent 3.46% drop. This report will impact the Nasdaq and S&P 500 through tech sector sentiment.

Seasonality

A brief look at the strongest seasonal patterns for the week ahead. These patterns highlight date ranges where this asset has historically shown consistent moves.

Stocks & ETFs

Detailed View →
Fortinet, Inc.
FTNT
Fortinet, Inc.
Nov 3 - Mar 2
Average
Return
27.75%
Median
Return
29.36%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
14.75%
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
PANW
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
Nov 3 - Feb 15
Average
Return
22.75%
Median
Return
10.78%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
23.77%
Wingstop Inc.
WING
Wingstop Inc.
Nov 3 - Feb 15
Average
Return
21.59%
Median
Return
14.46%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
18.02%
Magyar Bancorp, Inc.
MGYR
Magyar Bancorp, Inc.
Nov 3 - Mar 2
Average
Return
21.34%
Median
Return
18.50%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
24.14%
Verra Mobility Corporation
VRRM
Verra Mobility Corporation
Nov 3 - Feb 24
Average
Return
18.53%
Median
Return
13.33%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
13.91%
Mastercard Incorporated
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
Nov 3 - Feb 15
Average
Return
15.87%
Median
Return
15.82%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
5.54%
Global Payments Inc.
GPN
Global Payments Inc.
Nov 3 - Feb 15
Average
Return
13.90%
Median
Return
12.03%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
8.24%
W.T.B. Financial Corporation
WTBFB
W.T.B. Financial Corporation
Nov 3 - Feb 18
Average
Return
12.37%
Median
Return
7.21%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
11.63%
EVERTEC, Inc.
EVTC
EVERTEC, Inc.
Nov 3 - Feb 15
Average
Return
10.57%
Median
Return
10.60%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
8.90%
Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc.
ICMB
Investcorp Credit Management BDC, Inc.
Nov 6 - Dec 2
Average
Return
10.54%
Median
Return
7.29%
Win Rate (%)
100.00%
Volatility
14.73%

Sample period varies by company from 7 to 10 years of historical data.

Key Financial Reports

Apple Inc. (AAPL) headlines earnings this week with an EPS estimate of $1.98, showing steady growth over last quarter. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) is expected to post $1.68 EPS, up from $1.44 previously, though its last report triggered a -1.69% price move. McDonald's Corporation (MCD) enters with a stable earnings setup, as its estimate of $3.36 is little changed, and recent reactions have been muted. With tech and consumer sectors both reporting, these results could set the tone for the broader market.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Detailed View →
Apple Inc.
AAPL
Apple Inc.
Estimate
1.98
Previous
1.91
Previous
Reaction
0.42%
4Q Avg
Reaction
0.59%
Palantir Technologies Inc.
PLTR
Palantir Technologies Inc.
Estimate
0.33
Previous
0.31
Previous
Reaction
0.80%
4Q Avg
Reaction
2.08%
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
AMD
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Estimate
1.68
Previous
1.44
Previous
Reaction
-1.69%
4Q Avg
Reaction
-2.70%
McDonald's Corporation
MCD
McDonald's Corporation
Estimate
3.36
Previous
3.38
Previous
Reaction
-0.85%
4Q Avg
Reaction
0.66%
Uber Technologies, Inc.
UBER
Uber Technologies, Inc.
Estimate
0.94
Previous
1.17
Previous
Reaction
-5.15%
4Q Avg
Reaction
-5.11%

EPS scheduled for the week of November 2 – 8, 2026 ET.

Key Macroeconomic Reports

The ISM Manufacturing PMI is released on November 2, with a forecast of 54.7 compared to the previous 54.5. This report is crucial as it provides insights into manufacturing activity, which is a key driver of economic growth. Following that, the ADP Employment Change report on November 4 is expected to show an increase of 65K jobs, down from 90K previously. This data will be significant in assessing labor market strength ahead of the Nonfarm Payrolls report on November 6, which is projected to show a rise of 65K. These indicators will influence expectations for future Fed policy and market rates.

Macroeconomic Data

Detailed View →
US
S&P Global Mfg PMI
09:45
Forecast
56.00
Previous
56.00
4Q Avg Value
54.13
US
ISM Manufacturing Employment
10:00
Forecast
-
Previous
52.70
4Q Avg Value
48.23
US
ISM Manufacturing Prices
10:00
Forecast
77.50
Previous
77.90
4Q Avg Value
70.57
US
ISM Mfg PMI
10:00
Forecast
54.70
Previous
54.50
4Q Avg Value
52.30
US
ISM Mfg New Orders Index
10:00
Forecast
-
Previous
55.30
4Q Avg Value
53.43

Macroeconomic data scheduled for the week of November 2 – 8, 2026 ET.

Top Stories

A quick look at the five stories that are set to shape next week's market sentiment. Explained with brief context highlighting why each story matters next week.

The Fed held off on a rate hike. Today’s GDP and inflation reports could make waiting harder.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis released GDP and inflation figures on October 29 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. These reports may influence the Fed's decision on interest rates, particularly with strong growth and ongoing price pressures. Analysts suggest that if the data indicates continued inflation, it could bolster the case for a rate increase in December. The Fed's recent pause on rate hikes may not last if economic indicators show persistent inflation.

Source: MarketWatch — Top Stories

The Federal Reserve Will Release Its Interest Rate Decision Today. Here’s What to Watch.

The Federal Reserve maintained its current interest rates during its decision announcement on October 28, which came just before the midterm elections. Market expectations suggest that the central bank will hold steady, reflecting a cautious approach in light of upcoming political events. Investors are closely watching for any signals that could indicate future monetary policy changes. The Fed's decision will be pivotal in shaping market sentiment.

Source: NYT — Business

Inflation surges, PCE shows. Fed pause on rate hikes unlikely to last with prices still rising.

Despite the Federal Reserve's recent pause on rate hikes, inflation continues to rise sharply, indicating that the central bank's efforts to manage price increases are ongoing. The latest data shows that the cost of living has increased again, suggesting that the Fed may need to reconsider its current stance on interest rates. This persistent inflation could lead to a reevaluation of monetary policy in the near future. Analysts warn that the Fed's work is far from complete.

Source: MarketWatch — Top Stories

These four shocks could hand investors an unexpected buying window, strategists say

Yardeni Research has identified four potential shocks that could create unexpected buying opportunities for investors. These include a surprise interest-rate decision from the Federal Reserve and increasing constraints in the artificial-intelligence sector. Strategists believe that such events could lead to favorable entry points for market participants. Investors are advised to stay alert to these developments that may impact market dynamics.

Source: MarketWatch — Top Stories

European Central Bank keeps key interest rate on hold at 2.5%

The European Central Bank has decided to keep its key interest rate on hold at 2.5%, aligning with market expectations. This decision comes as euro zone inflation reaches a three-year high of 3.8%. ECB President Christine Lagarde noted that rising energy prices pose risks to both inflation and growth, but underlying inflation remains stable. The central bank's cautious approach reflects ongoing uncertainties in the economic landscape, particularly related to energy costs.

Source: CNBC — Economy

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