Chinese tech on deck… Alibaba (the Amazon of China) and Baidu (the Google of China) are set to report. Last year China’s economic growth sagged to one of its worst levels on record as its zero-Covid policy and lockdowns crushed production. After China reopened for business this year, its tech stocks have rallied in hopes of a rebound. While last year’s #s might not be stellar, earnings forecasts could be more upbeat (especially as regulatory crackdowns cool). Both Alibaba and Baidu are planning ChatGPT-style AI tools, which could also rev growth.
Bubbles & bench presses… Keurig Dr Pepper, the beverage icon behind K-Cups, Snapple, 7UP, and (of course) Dr Pepper reports Thursday, and analysts expect refreshing results. Last quarter, KDP's sales jumped 11% as people splurged on inflated bevvies. Rivals Pepsi and Coke untapped strong earnings this month. While the overall soda market has been flat, demand for Dr Pepper soda has spiked. And KDP might have another winner in its fridge: it recently took a 30% stake in energy-drink maker Nutrabolt, which expects record sales this year.