However, it takes on a bearish hue when mixed with the flattish stock market that includes many post-earnings sell-offs. Therefore, in normal times, we should expect a majority of earnings announcements to exceed earnings estimates. Second, Wall Street trading is a hot area again, making “whisper” earnings estimates more valuable and, undoubtedly, more prevalent. The picture reveals a healthy stock marketThat 80% number makes the market’s flattish behavior look like a mismatch - and, therefore, bearish. Moreover, while the hope is fading that good earnings reports will reignite the 2017 bull market, the stock market is holding its own – an important accomplishment at its near-correction level.

Source: Forbes April 29, 2018 19:30 UTC