S&P 500 – The 1980 – 2000 Secular Bull Market Versus The Current One The S&P 500 has been climbing for years, but longevity alone does not signal the finish. The prior secular bull market lasted nearly two decades. If history rhymes, this one may still have room to run. Image: Carson Investment Research
Consolidated Equity Positioning Consolidated equity positioning has risen to the 53rd percentile, entering modest overweight territory while leaving room for further upside. The backdrop remains constructive. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
Sentiment Indicator and Stock Positioning At 1.5, Goldman Sachs’ U.S. Equity Sentiment Indicator points to stretched positioning, with investors showing elevated optimism and a growing dose of complacency. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Weekly Announced Buybacks U.S. companies are stepping up share buyback announcements, a sign of balance sheet strength that returns cash to shareholders and helps support stock prices. For investors, that’s a constructive signal. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
S&P 500 Performance Since Start of the Year AI is no longer just a buzzword lifting mega-cap names, it is actively driving earnings growth and boosting productivity across corporate America. Since the start of the Q1 reporting season, the S&P 500 has gained 5.1%. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
U.S. Equity Index P/E Valuations vs. History The market’s appetite for growth is still running hot. The Nasdaq 100 trades at 26 times forward earnings, the Russell 2000 at 25, and the S&P 500 at 21. Investors remain positioned for continued upside. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. Tech Sector Share Buyback Announcements There’s no sign of a pause in U.S. tech buybacks, as strong earnings keep the pipeline active. That’s a tailwind for shareholders, and as long as profits hold up, the pace is unlikely to fade. Image: J.P. Morgan Flows and Liquidity
Consensus EPS Growth Estimates The Middle East conflict has done little to shake Wall Street’s optimism. S&P 500 earnings are projected to rise 19% in 2026 and 16% in 2027, while small caps could deliver a 44% jump this year and another 32% rise next. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Price Target for 2026 Goldman Sachs is sticking to its bullish call, backed by a solid earnings outlook, and sees the S&P 500 climbing 12% to 7,600 this year, despite likely volatility along the way. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Forward Earnings Estimates The 2026 earnings outlook is gaining momentum, with consensus full-year growth at 18% and the S&P 500 bottom-up target climbing to around 7,350. Image: Real Investment Advice
S&P 500 Performance During Trump Years The S&P 500 under President Trump has tended to struggle early in the year, typically bottoming in late March. If history rhymes, the rest of 2026 may favor upside, even with a new Fed chair and midterm elections stirring volatility. Image: Carson Investment Research