Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., May 12, 2025. REUTERS
July 14 (Reuters) – RBC Capital Markets on Sunday raised its S&P 500 index (.SPX), year-end target to 6,250 from 5,730, its second hike this year, citing stronger investor sentiment and growing focus on 2026 economic prospects.
The S&P 500 eased from a record high on Friday as caution prevailed after President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Brazil and the EU braced for possible new U.S. tariffs, though the index remains up about 6.4% so far in 2025.
“Both RBC economics and consensus anticipate another year like this in 2026,” said the RBC strategist, adding that their analysis now factors in how stocks perform leading up to periods of moderate GDP growth, specifically between 1.1% and 2%.
Last month, RBC raised its S&P targets to 5,730 from 5,500 points, while earlier this month, BofA Global Research and Goldman Sachs also raised their year-end targets for the S&P 500 index.
RBC maintained its 2025 S&P 500 EPS forecast at $258, slightly below consensus, and noted it is still too early to dismiss concerns about the impact of tariffs based on early earnings reports.
Reporting by Akriti Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore
