Investor concerns keep S&P 500 from reaching all-time high

The S&P 500 has been holding near an all-time high for several weeks, despite encouraging US economic data. This situation is mainly due to investor concerns, Bloomberg says. 

Julian Emanuel of Evercore ISI does not expect the S&P 500 to set a new record this year, given the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East and the US administration’s tariff and fiscal policies. However, he projects the index will reach an all-time high in 2026.

Bloomberg highlights an extraordinary situation in the US stock market. The usual catalysts do not have an expected impact on the S&P 500, and its moves are muted. The index did not rise or fall more than 0.6% in 11 out of 13 sessions through Friday last week, according to the news agency.

Michael Kantrowitz, strategist at Piper Sandler & Co., says the market has factored in most of the risks over the past two months. Therefore, investors reacted with restraint to the positive US inflation data. In addition, many of them still believe the impact of tariffs is yet to become apparent, the expert notes.