The first-quarter 2024 earnings season is approaching its end. So far, results have come in better than expected. As of May 17, 467 companies on the S&P 500 Index reported their financial numbers. Total earnings for these 467 index members increased 4.6% from the same period last year on 4% higher revenues, with 77.7% beating EPS estimates and 60.2% beating revenue estimates. At present, total earnings of the S&P 500 Index in first-quarter 2024 are expected to be up 6.3% on 4.3% higher revenues. This follow ...