LIVE: This could be the MOST CONSEQUENTIAL week for markets in 2026.
The Fed decides rates, four Magnificent 7 companies report earnings, and the Fed’s favorite inflation data drops.
Here’s what matters:
1. Fed rate decision on July 29 (Wed, 2PM ET)
Rates have stayed at 3.50%–3.75% for four meetings, and almost nobody expects a change.
But markets are now preparing for a possible hike, with many expecting one by September.
Why? Oil recently hit $100, raising fears that inflation could heat up again.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is also giving markets fewer hints, so expect a bigger reaction when the decision lands.
2. Microsoft $MSFT & Meta $META earnings on July 29 (after market close)
Both are spending huge amounts on AI.
Microsoft is on track to spend over $190B this year, while Meta expects to spend $125B–$145B in 2026.
Investors used to cheer this. Now they want to see profits.
3. GDP & PCE inflation on July 30 (Thur, 8:30AM ET)
Core PCE, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, is expected to rise just 0.1%.
GDP growth is expected at 2.3%.
Hot inflation could support a September rate hike. A cooler reading could delay it.
4. Apple $AAPL & Amazon $AMZN earnings on July 30 (Thur, after close)
Apple has spent less on AI and is near record highs.
Amazon is spending over $200B and remains well below its recent peak.
The difference? AI spending.
5. Also this week
July 28 (Tue): Consumer confidence
July 29 (Wed): Visa $V, Robinhood $HOOD
July 30 (Thur): Coinbase $COIN, Strategy $MSTR
July 31 (Fri): Bank of Japan
Bitcoin $BTC sits near $64K into all of it.
WHY THIS MATTERS?
These companies make up roughly one-third of the S&P 500. When they move, index funds and retirement accounts move with them.
And the Fed’s rate affects mortgages, loans, credit cards and business spending.
This week comes down to two questions:
How much are companies spending, and how much will money cost?
🚨 MICHAEL SAYLORS ARGUES BITCOIN IS IMMUNE TO AI DISRUPTION
The Bitcoin debate right now:
Saylor: "Bitcoin is digital capital. AI can't disrupt it."
Chamath: "It needs to be quantum-resistant first."
What's your opinion?
The thing about Monero going to $100,000+ as a banned coin
Naturally there will be the “non illegal” private coin that succeeds and that’s gonna be Litecoin with MWEB
Litecoin is already at ATMs and one of the most popular payment options outside of Bitcoin in the world
Bitcoin is New York City
Litecoin is Chicago
When Bitcoin fees surge to $10-$100 bc it got cluttered from ordinals
That is UNUSABLE for payments
But Litecoin for payments is a penny. When Bitcoin is congested, you can use Litecoin. When Bitcoin is not congested you can also use Litecoin for payments bc it’s faster and cheaper.
And you can have legal privacy with MWEB.
Litecoin is HEAVILY undervalued against Bitcoin
Bitcoin = Road A when there’s too much traffic or too expensive to go on that lane
You switch over to Road B = Litecoin
There has already been a bidding war for control of Bitcoin supply
I believe the bidding war on Litecoin will inevitably happen and go down because it’s the most natural and organic extension of Bitcoin. The land here is cheaper. And just as effective. Actually, more effective.
⚡️TODAY: 🇺🇸Treasury Secretary Bessent says “we are exploring new possibilities in decentralized computing and digital payments to unlock the potential of blockchain technology.”
The U.S. has entered the Golden Age of Crypto! 🔥