Apart from Google-parent Alphabet and Amazon.com, Microsoft Corp MSFT.O and Apple Inc AAPL.O too report later this week. U.S. business activity contracted for a fourth straight month in October, a survey showed, in the latest evidence of an economy softening in the face of high inflation and rising interest rates. "We think that the Fed meeting (in November) could be a positive inflection because it will indicate at least some members are re-thinking their ultra-hawkish stance," said Jay Hatfield, chief executive officer, Infrastructure Capital Management.