Some optimistic corporate outlooks in the week ahead could lift the stock market to a record

The S&P 500 crossed the psychological 2,900 mark on Friday, putting the market on track to take back its all-time highs if earnings reports are better-than-expected, and companies provide positive guidance. According to Refinitiv, earnings are expected to decline 2.3 percent in the first negative quarter in three years, but it is business leaders' comments on the future outlook that are even more important. Analysts do not agree on whether the first quarter earnings season represents the trough , or even whether the second quarter will see a gain or decline in profit growth.