Monday Morning Must-Knows - May 4, 2026

Monday Morning Must-Knows by Trading Academy

May 4, 2026

S&P 500 Posts Best Month Since 2020 as 1,607 Earnings Reports
Hit This Week

April delivered nearly 10% annualized returns for the S&P 500, the best month since 2020, with markets hitting all-time highs despite the Fed holding rates and flagging inflation. This week brings 1,607 earnings reports. Palantir reports Monday. AMD, Shopify, and Pfizer on Tuesday. Arm, Disney, Uber, and AppLovin on Wednesday. Reserve Bank of Australia announces its rate decision Tuesday, expected to hold at 4.1%.

Jobs data dominates the back half. JOLTS on Tuesday, ADP on Wednesday, unemployment claims and nonfarm payrolls Thursday, and Friday’s unemployment rate at 4.3%. AI layoff headlines are starting to surface, and housing data drops midweek with the Case-Shiller index showing home prices declining year-over-year around 1%.

In this episode of Monday Morning Must Knows, Merlin Rothfeld breaks down current market conditions, key earnings reports, and the major economic events traders should be watching this week.

As always, if you’re in the markets, make sure you have a trade plan. Join us for a FREE introductory class. Learn about tools & rules for trading with confidence-so you can stay one step ahead of market volatility. Stay Informed.