Investors Await Tech Profit Reports

Stocks could gain traction this week as investors expect more upbeat earnings from the remaining handful of tech giants due to report results, echoing Cisco Systems Inc.’s rosy numbers that stoked a big one-day rally last week.

As the number of companies reporting earnings wanes, there remain several big techs that will unveil financials, such as Applied Materials Inc., Dell Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Computer Associates International Inc.

As the largest maker of chip-manufacturing equipment, AMAT’s results serve as a predictor of the overall chip sector, and the technology industry in general.

Reports also are expected from retailers including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Tiffany & Co. and TJX Cos., among others.