Overview
- A Reuters poll finds most major indexes are expected to finish 2026 higher, yet 56% of respondents anticipate a near-term correction and more volatility.
- The poll’s median puts the S&P 500 at about 7,490 by end‑2026, while J.P. Morgan sets 7,500 as its baseline and says a deeper Fed easing could push the index past 8,000.
- European equities are forecast to gain about 11% with the STOXX 600 seen at 623, supported by cheaper valuations and lower tech concentration than the U.S.
- Germany’s blue‑chip index is projected to reach roughly 25,500 (about +9.7%) and France’s CAC 40 about 8,600 (around +8%) by end‑2026.
- Japan’s Nikkei is expected to rise about 13% next year and India’s Sensex about 9%, as strategists also flag AI‑driven concentration and valuation risks.