TSM, ASML, and NKE Head Into Earnings With the Macro World on Fire — Here's What Retail Is Betting On

Let's set the scene: CPI just printed 3.3% with a monthly surge of 0.9% — the biggest jump since 2022 — UMich consumer sentiment just posted its lowest reading ever, and 1-year inflation expectations rocketed to 4.8% against a 4.2% consensus. Goldman Sachs is warning inflation could hit 4% within months. Cool, cool. Great time for earnings season.

Into this dumpster fire walk three actually interesting reports. $TSM already flashed a 35% quarterly sales increase in pre-market data and is pushing back on Middle East demand concerns — sentiment is bullish and it's showing. $ASML reports April 15th with EPS expected up +13% and a record backlog; the China export restriction commentary will be the real drama. Then there's $NKE, which Piper Sandler just downgraded to neutral after a 14% post-earnings drop, calling shares still not cheap and the athleisure market saturated. Retail traders on YouTube and Reddit are largely treating NKE like a bad Tinder date — swiping left and moving on.

Goldman's own Q1 earnings drop April 13th with EPS expected at $16.35 (+16%) — ironic that Goldman is simultaneously warning the economy is melting while probably posting a banger quarter. The vibes are chaotic, the data is real, and TSM is out here printing like nothing's wrong.