Earnings could indicate that the Atlanta Falcons (NFC) are favored over the New England Patriots (AFC) in Super Bowl LI. Earnings season was hit by a rush of 109 16Q4 results from S&P 500 companies to cross the 50 yard line and end the week with 55% of the index reported. The Information Technology sector helped drive Y/Y 16Q4 earnings 1.2 percentage points (ppt) higher to 8.0%, which puts the quarter on target to be the largest gain since the 10.3% growth in 14Q3. While 16Q4 earnings are stronger than expected, the S&P 500’s 7.4% gain since the election has 2017 earnings in focus.