What to watch for in the pivotal week ahead for markets

• Mega-cap tech earnings from Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple are scheduled for next week, deemed crucial for market direction.
• The technology sector has lagged year-to-date compared to other sectors like Energy and Materials.
• Analysts are focused on Meta's metaverse spending, Apple's AI strategy, and potential post-earnings reactions for Microsoft and Amazon.

CNBC analysts discuss the pivotal week ahead for financial markets, focusing on upcoming mega-cap tech earnings from Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple. While some see potential for individual rallies, particularly in Amazon, concerns about tech's year-to-date underperformance and specific company challenges create a mixed outlook for the sector.