Earnings Preview is written by Charles Rotblut, CFA, Senior Market Analyst for Zacks.com.

The big bailout will be a key focus of the markets.

Congress is expected to meet over the weekend to discuss legislation proposed by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. The details of the proposal, and any additional measures designed to help homeowners struggling with mortgage payments, could impact market direction.

The temporary ban on short selling could also affect trading early in the week. Part of Friday's rally was the result of quadruple witching. Traders are being forced to close short positions rather than roll them over into new contracts.

On the earnings front, we have confirmed reports from 33 companies. Included in this group are S&P 500 members AutoZone (NYSE: AZO), KB Home (NYSE: KBH), Lennar (NYSE: LEN) and Nike (NYSE: NKE). I expect only limited reaction to the homebuilders (KBH and LEN), because of the proposal under discussion.

The economic calendar includes two reports on August home sales, but is otherwise light.

-- Wednesday: August existing home sales, weekly crude inventories

-- Thursday: August durable goods orders, August new home sales, weekly initial jobless claims

-- Friday: Final September University of Michigan consumer confidence survey, final Q2 GDP

Bernanke has three scheduled appearances before Congress.

On Tuesday, he will discuss the financial markets before the Senate banking committee. The chairman will provide his economic outlook to the Joint Economic Committee on Wednesday. Finally, on Thursday, Bernanke will review the recent proposals and actions before the House financial services committee.

Companies That Could Issue Positive Earnings Surprises

AutoZone Inc. (NYSE: AZO) has topped market expectations twice in the last three quarters. Ahead of the company's fiscal fourth-quarter report, brokerage analysts have raised their forecasts. The consensus earnings estimate now calls for earnings of $3.90 per share, a penny higher than a week ago. The most accurate estimate is even more bullish at $3.92 per share. Autozone is scheduled to report on Monday, Sep 22, before the start of trading.

Companies That Could Issue Negative Earnings Surprises

H.B. Fuller (NYSE: FUL) recently cut its profit forecast, citing high costs of raw materials. The chemical manufacturing company now expects third-quarter earnings of 35 cents per share, excluding a tax benefit. Brokerage analysts responded by lowering their forecasts to 35 cents per share from 48 cents per share. FUL has missed consensus earnings estimates in two consecutive quarters. H.B. Fuller will report on Tuesday, Sep 23, after the close of trading.

Charles Rotblut, CFA, is the senior market analyst for Zacks.com.

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