Stock market week ahead: Earnings, election, and jobs data in focus

U.S. stock markets face a critical week ahead, marked by midterm elections, major corporate earnings, and key labor market data that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions. The busiest week of earnings season concludes with reports from major companies including Apple, Eaton, DuPont, and Cardinal Health, while investors also watch the election outcome for its potential impact on AI infrastructure and energy policy. Friday's October jobs report is expected to show 75,000 payroll additions with unemployment steady at 4.2%, data that will shape expectations for a possible December rate hike. Market attention also focuses on the implications of the election for the AI buildout trade and potential military action against Iran, which could affect oil prices and inflation. Additional economic reports include manufacturing and services activity surveys, with the Fed currently pricing in nearly 75% odds of a quarter-point rate increase at its December meeting.