Barclays, Deutsche Bank raise S&P 500 forecasts as bull run continues

Core Viewpoint - Barclays and Deutsche Bank have raised their year-end targets for the S&P 500, driven by stronger corporate earnings, resilient U.S. economic growth, and optimism surrounding artificial intelligence [1][2]. Group 1: Target Adjustments - Deutsche Bank increased its S&P 500 target to 7,000 from 6,550, while Barclays raised its forecast to 6,450 from 6,050 [1]. - Barclays also lifted its 2026 target for the S&P 500 to 7,000 from 6,700 [4]. Group 2: Market Performance - The S&P 500 has risen 11.2% so far this year and touched a record high of 6,555.97 earlier [1]. - The index has rallied more than 30% from its April lows, supported by resilient earnings and investor enthusiasm around the AI boom [3]. Group 3: Economic Indicators - U.S. job growth weakened sharply in August, with the unemployment rate rising to a near four-year high of 4.3% [3]. - Signs of a cooling labor market and tame inflation have increased expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts this year and next [4]. Group 4: Analyst Insights - Analysts expect equity valuations to remain elevated due to higher payout ratios and perceptions of higher trend earnings growth [2]. - Barclays anticipates three rate cuts before year-end, which may help offset labor market weaknesses [4].