Q3 21 results were generally well above expectations, which was not taken for granted given the bottlenecks and higher input costs. However, the 2022 consensus remained very cautious, with EPS forecasts at best equivalent to nominal GDP growth! Good surprises cannot therefore be ruled out.

At -12% for the S&P 500 in the US and -35% for the Stoxx 600 in Europe, first-quarter results were hit hard by the pandemic, even though it had hardly begun by the end of the quarter.