The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, July 10, edition that rising optimism over corporate earnings has propelled the U.S. stock market to new heights in 2026. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that investors are eager to know if companies can meet profit expectations in the coming weeks. Estimates for 2026 earnings have surged after a strong first quarter, driven by significant artificial intelligence infrastructure spending and a solid economic backdrop. A more solid earnings picture provides strong fundamental support for stocks, investors say, but the higher estimates could be more challenging for companies to meet and lead to market fallout for any disappointments. Commonwealth Financial's Chris Fasciano says, "Increased earnings and increased expectations are great for investors because it does drive the market higher, that certainly raises the bar." Second quarter earnings season kicks off next week with reports from major banks including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, as well as other high-profile companies such as Netflix and Johnson & Johnson. A market driven by positive earnings momentum is encouraging but may allow little room for error during upcoming earnings reports and forecasts.