06:33 AM EST, 11/11/2024 (MT Newswires) -- US equity investors will focus on the strength of the rally sparked by the presidential election while keeping an eye on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's appearance following the latest inflation data this week.

* US equity indexes closed higher last week following a decisive outcome in the presidential elections and as the Federal Reserve continued to ease monetary policy. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit another intraday record high on Friday.

* The headlines out of President-Elect Donald Trump's camp related to signature policies such as tariffs and tax cuts will be carefully monitored and investors will attempt to evaluate their impact on markets. Additionally, investors will keep an eye on the key appointments the former president will make to his new administration.

* With over 90% of the S&P500 reported Q3 results, the index's earnings have risen 4.1% year-over-year, ahead of the FactSet consensus as of Sept. 30 for a 3.9% gain, a D A Davidson note said Friday. Communication Services has outperformed so far, with earnings growth at 23% versus estimates for 9.4% growth (91% of the sector has reported). Information Technology has lagged expectations the most, with earnings down 3.5% versus consensus for growth of almost 15% (75% of companies reported).

* Another Consumer Price Index inflation reading for October on Wednesday won't deliver anything decisive for the Federal Open Market Committee, according to a note from Scotiabank late Friday. It's one of three inflation readings before the next FOMC decision on Dec. 18, including another CPI print on Dec. 11 and a personal consumption expenditures price index, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, on Nov. 27.

* Powell on Thursday last week said in response to a question at a Fed press briefing that it's "not permitted under the law" for presidents to remove members of the independent central bank. Powell is due to deliver a speech this week on Thursday.