Market Storylines: Earnings Hit Banks, Fed Tensions Continue to Rise + Small Caps Outperform

Eric Criscuolo, NYSE Market Strategist, breaks down a week defined by Supreme Court uncertainty, shifting sector leadership, and the kickoff of earnings season. Cyclicals led the tape as tech lagged early, helping small and mid caps outperform while financials slid on policy pressure and mixed bank results. Geopolitical tension boosted oil and precious metals, though easing headlines cooled crude by week’s end. Tech regained momentum Thursday on strong semiconductor earnings and major AI platform news. With a heavier earnings slate, key inflation data, and global events ahead, markets head into next week with a full macro calendar.