Investing in SPX from $6,640

Despite all the noise coming out of Washington and the geopolitical headwinds swirling lately, most Wall Street heavyweights are still waving a bullish flag for the S&P 500 Index. They believe it can go much higher. In fact, the consensus even suggests that it will reach new record peaks by the second half of 2026.

Barclays has completely overhauled its strategy, raising its year-end target for SPX from $7,400 to $7,650—shrugging off global risks and stubborn inflation in the process. 

Concurrently, Goldman Sachs predicts the index to hit $7,600, a 13.5% jump from where we stand today. 

JPMorgan and HSBC have their sights set on $7,500, while Bank of America is taking a slightly more cautious stance at $7,100.

So what's driving this optimism? Three pillars stand out:

Earnings engine. Corporate profits per share are expected to surge by 12%–15% in 2026—a sturdy backbone for any rally.

AI progress. Artificial intelligence remains the lifeblood of the tech sector, and the investment spree shows no signs of cooling.

Economic soft landing. Steady US GDP growth (forecast at between 2.4% and 3.3%), paired with a supportive Federal Reserve (Fed), is creating a runway that stock bulls are eager to use.

Good timing doesn't hurt either. The first quarter wraps up in a matter of days—a period that often sees the market catch its breath after the year-end rush. But April, along with November, is historically ranked as one of the most productive months for SPX. Therefore, such a seasonal tailwind is another reason to anticipate new highs. 

However, none of this means the coast is completely clear. Trade tariffs and stubborn inflation could still throw a few punches at volatility in spring and summer. 

The ultimate recommendation is to buy the S&P 500 Index from $6,640. Lock in profits at $6,770. Place Stop Loss at $6,500.

Calculate your open position so that any potential loss (protected by a Stop Loss order) is limited to 1% of your deposit. If your account balance does not allow entering a position of this size, it is better to skip the trade and wait for other market signals that meet low-risk criteria.