The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday, Jan. 14, edition that investors' preference for companies that thrive in a strong economy will face challenges as the U.S. earnings season begins. A Bloomberg dispatch to the Post reports that money is shifting from tech giants to banks, consumer-product makers and materials producers, as investors bet these sectors will outperform as the U.S. economy strengthens in 2026. Big Tech remains the key driver of fourth quarter profit growth for S&P 500 firms. Tech companies are projected to report year-over-year earnings growth of 20 per cent, while non-tech earnings are expected to slow from 9 per cent to just 1 per cent. That will put a huge onus on forecasts from the likes of Caterpillar, Procter & Gamble and JPMorgan. Corporate America is reiterating what much of Wall Street is predicting: the American economy is slated for a burst in the first half, if not the full year. Piper Sandler & Co. analyst Michael Kantrowitz says: "Guidance will be an important tell. This is the first start to the year that we've got broad stimulus tailwinds, which are necessary to create a sustainable broadening of earnings."