Earnings results to drive direction

Earnings announcements by listed firms will be a factor in how the stock market performs this week, analysts said, but investors will also be looking for fresh economic news from the United States and China.

“Earnings season for the fourth quarter would drive the stock market’s direction for the week. So far, those who have reported … have announced incomes that are in line with prior estimates,” said Lexter Azurin, head of equity research at Unicapital Securities Inc.