1. Economic events

As we approach the end of April and the start of May, the financial markets are bracing for several key economic events:

On Tuesday, April 30, the focus will be on the release of M3 Money Supply and Private Sector Loans data from Saudi Arabia, as well as the Chicago PMI and CB Consumer Confidence figures from the U.S.

Moving to Wednesday, May 1, the spotlight will be on Saudi Arabia's GDP, while the U.S. markets will see the release of ADP Nonfarm Employment Change, S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI, ISM Manufacturing PMI and Prices, JOLTs Job Openings, Crude Oil Inventories, and the highly anticipated FOMC Statement, Interest Rate Decision, and Press Conference.

On Thursday, May 2, investors will be closely watching the Initial Jobless Claims data in the U.S.

Finally, on Friday, May 3, the focus will shift to the U.S. job market with the release of Average Hourly Earnings, Nonfarm Payrolls, and Unemployment Rate for April.

Additionally, the S&P Global Services PMI and ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI and Prices will also be closely monitored.

2. Earnings preview

Looking ahead to the upcoming week, according to investing.com, there are several noteworthy earnings reports to keep an eye on.

On Monday, April 29, investors will be focused on the earnings reports from Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group(4013.SA), United Electronics Co.(4003.SA),Saudi Cement Co.(3030.SA), and Maharah Human Resources Co.(1831.SA). 

Turning to Tuesday, April 30, the Saudi market will see earnings announcements from Riyad Bank(1010.SA), and Saudi Electricity Co.(5110.SA). Additionally, several U.S. companies such as Amazon.com, Inc.(AMZN.US), Eli Lilly and Company(LLY.US), Coca-Cola Company(KO.US), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(AMD.US), McDonald's Corporation(MCD.US), Starbucks Corporation(SBUX.US), and PayPal Holdings Inc(PYPL.US) are set to report their quarterly results.

On Wednesday, May 1, the Saudi market will focus on Jarir Marketing Co.(4190.SA), while U.S. firms QUALCOMM Incorporated(QCOM.US), and Pfizer Inc.(PFE.US) will release their earnings reports.

Thursday, May 2, will see the spotlight on Saudi Aramco Base Oil Co.(2223.SA) and Al-Rajhi Company for Cooperative Insurance(8230.SA)  in Saudi Arabia, as well as Apple Inc.(AAPL.US) in the U.S. market.

These earnings releases will provide valuable insights into the performance of these significant companies and are anticipated to have an impact on stock prices and market trends.