Third-quarter earnings season kicks off in the U.S. this week, with bellwether Alcoa reporting after the market close on Wednesday.
The impact of a stronger U.S. dollar is expected to weigh on profit growth as it drives up the cost of doing business overseas. Given that the majority of companies listed on the benchmark depend on international markets for their revenue, the stronger currency will be a key challenge.
Read MoreStocks could stumble as earnings season looms
Thomson Reuters data show profit-growth expectations for S&P 500 companies fell to 6.4 percent from 11 percent just two months ago.
After Alcoa, PepsiCo will report Thursday and the following week will bring a raft of earnings reports from banks, pharmaceuticals, tech and others.
Vote in our poll and tell us what you're expecting this season.
