What to Watch in the Day Ahead - Friday, April 24

HCA Healthcare

23/04/2026 19:29

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Procter & Gamble is expected to report a rise in third-quarter revenue as consumers shop for its pantry essentials despite high prices. Investors will watch out for commentary on tariff impact, as well as P&G's margin performance for the remaining year.

The University of Michigan is set to release its final April reading of the Consumer Sentiment Index, providing an updated gauge of consumer confidence amid persistent inflation concerns. The index is expected to edge up to 48 from the preliminary estimate of 47.6,

SLB is expected to report a fall in first-quarter profit as it grapples with waning demand and slowdown in activity in the Middle East. Investors will look out for commentary on how SLB expects to weather the impact of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Hospital operator HCA Healthcare is expected to report its first-quarter results. Investor focus will be on the demand for healthcare services and whether the company is able to offset headwinds from expired Obamacare subsidies.

Separately, analysts expect Norfolk Southern to post a year‑on‑year decline in first‑quarter profit, reflecting weaker intermodal volumes and ongoing cost pressures. Softer consumer freight demand, combined with higher labor expenses and competitive pressure from trucking, likely continued to weigh on margins despite incremental operational improvements.

In Canada, retail sales for February are expected to rise 0.9% month-on-month, easing slightly from January’s 1.1% gain. Retail sales excluding automobiles are also seen increasing 0.8%, matching the prior month’s pace. The country will also publish its budget balance.

In Latin America, Brazil’s central bank is expected to report a narrowing current account deficit of $5.489 billion in March, from $5.614 billion previously. Foreign direct investment inflows are projected to rise to $7 billion from $6.754 billion in February. Meanwhile, Mexico’s statistics agency will release February economic activity data, expected to show 0.6% annual growth, rebounding from a 0.3% contraction previously. On a monthly basis, activity is forecast to have risen 0.5% after a 0.9% decline. Mexico is also scheduled to publish its March unemployment rate, seen easing 0.2 percentage points to 2.4%.

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(Compiled by Kushal Varma J V; Edited by Diti Pujara)