UBS Global Wealth Management raised its year-end 2026 target for the S&P 500 to 8,100 from an implied prior level above 8,000, citing resilient economic growth, supportive monetary policy and accelerating artificial intelligence adoption as the primary drivers of the upgrade.
The mid-year 2027 target was also lifted to 8,400 from 8,200, implying roughly 6% upside from Thursday’s close of 7,641.16 points. UBS maintained its constructive view on U.S. equities, identifying three pillars supporting the bull market: resilient economic growth, accommodative policy and AI integration.
The wealth manager raised its 2026 earnings-per-share estimate for the S&P 500 to $350 from $335, and lifted the 2027 EPS forecast to $400 from $375. The firm noted that while AI-related companies remain key contributors to performance, improving conditions in cyclical sectors have also supported recent gains.
The targets were outlined in a note dated Thursday, reflecting UBS’s latest assessment of the macro and earnings landscape underpinning U.S. equity valuations.
