Nvidia is set to report earnings that could cement its AI dominance, while Canada braces for its highest inflation since December 2023 and retailers Walmart and Target chart different paths amid consumer pressure. The week’s financial narrative intertwines a tech juggernaut’s growth outlook with macro‑economic headwinds and retail‑sector pivots.

Nvidia’s projected 78% sales jump and 130% profit surge

According to the source, analysts expect Nvidia’s revenue to climb 78% year‑over‑year and earnings to surge nearly 130% as the chipmaker rides a $725 billion hyperscaler cap‑ex wave.. The company, valued at $5.5 trillion and trading at 27 times earnings, is poised to address investor demand for a larger dividend, a point highlighted by UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri.

Arcuri argues that long‑term investors’ current apathy creates a “perfect setup for a share price pop” if Nvidia delivers strong numbers and confirms a more generous capital return plan. the market’s focus will also include whether Chinese buyers finally adopt Nvidia’s H200 chips, a topic that disappointed investors after President Donald Trump’s China visit.

Canada’s inflation jump to the highest level since December 2023

Canada’s April inflation data, slated for release this week, is projected to hit its highest point since December 2023, driven largely by a 21% surge in gas prices in March and an additional 8% rise in April. BMO chief economist Douglas Porter warns that the spike could lift expectations for Bank of Canada rate hikes later in the year.

Porter, however, cautions that a rate increase would be a strategic error, noting that the current oil‑price shock appears isolated and unlikely to trigger a core‑inflation breakout similar to the 2020‑2022 period.

Walmart’s sub‑4% same‑store sales growth versus Target’s 1.7% outlook

Retail analysts see Walmart emerging as a winner as value‑seeking shoppers trade down,yet same‑store sales are expected to grow by less than 4% for the first time in two years. Bank of America’s Christopher Nardone says the core Walmart consumer remains resilient and that high gas prices may actually accelerate market‑share gains.

Target, by contrast, is positioned as a turnaround story. Its shaers have rebounded 20% in 2026 but remain far below pandemic highs. With same‑store sales projected at only 1.7%, the market is eager for insights from new CEO Michael Fiddelke, who took the helm three months ago. Target trades at 14 times earnings, markedly lower than Walmart’s 44 times.

CAE’s civil‑aviation woes amid Iran conflict and activist pressure

CAE is under activist investor Browning West’s influence as it seeks to shore up its defense segment while its civil‑aviation business struggles, a situation worsened by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The company has reviewed non‑core assets, potentially selling its Flightscape unit.

National Bank analyst Cameron Doerksen maintains a buy rating, citing portfolio optimisation and margin improvement despite the broader aviation sentiment dip.

Will Nvidia raise its dividend after earnings?

The source notes speculation that investors are pushing for a larger dividend, but no concrete plan has been disclosed.. The question remains whether Nvidia will use its earnings windfall to broaden its shareholder base or retain cash for further AI‑related investments.