US third-quarter earnings estimates for S&P 500 companies are more positive than previously expected, with a projected increase of 4.3% compared to the same period last year, according to LSEG data. This estimate has increased from the previous forecast of a 2.6% gain. The results are based on reports from half of the S&P 500 companies and estimates for the rest. Despite concerns over rising US Treasury yields, investors are closely watching third-quarter earnings following a decline in the second quarter.