Investors are eagerly anticipating several upcoming earnings reports from major corporations. Nvidia is expected to release its earnings report on Wednesday, with buy-side estimates standing at $21.7 billion for the fourth quarter, 9% above consensus. The consensus projects earnings per share of $4.60 and revenue of $20.36 billion, showcasing significant year-over-year growth for the AI darling.

Walmart, set to report its fourth-quarter results on Tuesday, is projected to earn $1.65 in adjusted earnings per share on record sales of $169.26 billion. This represents a 4% increase in revenue but a slight dip from the previous year's earnings. Analysts are particularly interested in how the retailer's performance reflects consumer sentiment amid challenges like inflation and grocery prices.

Home Depot, a home improvement retail giant, is also gearing up to announce its fourth-quarter earnings. Investors brace for the possibility of the company's first annual sales drop since 2009, with projections indicating a 3% decrease in revenue to $34.6 billion. Same-store sales are also anticipated to fall by 3.2%, fueling curiosity about consumer behavior and reactions to rising inflation.

The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has impressed investors with better-than-expected annual room revenue and an adjusted operating profit exceeding $1 billion for the first time. IHG reported total revenues of $4.6 billion and an operating profit of $1.06 billion, resulting in earnings per share of 443.8 cents. The hotel group's positive performance has led to a 10% dividend hike and a new $800 million share buyback program, signaling financial strength.