Barclays raised its year-end 2026 S&P 500 target to 7,950 from 7,800, citing a standout technology earnings season that strengthened confidence in AI-driven profit growth. The revised target sits about 3.6% above Tuesday's 7,673.52 close, and Barclays lifted its 2026 S&P 500 earnings-per-share forecast to $365 from $337, an 8.3% upgrade. Head of U.S. equity strategy Venu Krishna pointed to technology execution and improving profit visibility supported by AI investment, with the firm willing to recognize stronger corporate profits without assuming richer multiples; at 7,950 on $365 of earnings, the index would trade at roughly 21.8 times the forecast. Barclays kept its year-end 2027 target at 8,800, and the move follows HSBC's raise to 8,100 from 7,650 for 2026. Risks cited include uncertainty over the durability of AI spending, sticky inflation, geopolitical tension and limited room for multiple expansion, while the S&P 500 is already up nearly 12% in 2026.
Barclays PLCBarclays raised its year-end 2026 S&P 500 target to 7,950 and lifted its 2026 EPS forecast to $365, citing strong AI-driven tech earnings.
HSBC Holdings PLCMentioned only as context that HSBC had earlier raised its 2026 S&P 500 target to 8,100 from 7,650.
