US Stock Market: Barclays, Stifel lift S&P 500 year-end targets on stronger earnings outlook

Barclays and Stifel raised their S&P 500 year-end targets, citing a stronger corporate earnings outlook. Barclays lifted its 2026 EPS forecast to $337 from $321 and introduced a 2027 index target of 8,800, while Stifel increased its year-end target to 7,800, expecting market leadership to broaden beyond mega-cap technology. Both brokerages remain constructive on equities, though persistent inflation and a robust US labour market could keep the Fed from easing, posing risks to valuations.