UBS(US:UBS) Finbold·2025-12-22 16:06Core Viewpoint - UBS projects that the strength of the U.S. equity market will continue into 2026, with the S&P 500 expected to advance significantly due to earnings growth, looser financial conditions, and reduced policy uncertainty [1] Group 1: Earnings Growth and Market Projections - UBS highlights strong profit growth, especially among large technology firms, which has supported share prices without leading to unsustainable valuations, maintaining a solid market foundation for the upcoming year [2] - The bank anticipates corporate earnings for the S&P 500 to grow by approximately 10% in 2026, projecting the index could reach around 7,700 by year-end if earnings remain the main driver of price increases [2] Group 2: Monetary Policy and Economic Conditions - UBS expects the Federal Reserve to continue easing monetary policy into early 2026 as inflation decreases, which will lower borrowing costs and support risk assets [3] - A change in Fed leadership is anticipated to reinforce a more accommodative policy stance, further enhancing market conditions [3] Group 3: Trade and Regulatory Environment - UBS points to improving visibility on trade and regulatory issues as a supportive factor, with legal clarity around tariff authority expected in early 2026 potentially reducing investor uncertainty [4] - Despite possible near-term pauses, UBS maintains a bullish outlook on U.S. equities, supported by earnings growth, easier monetary policy, and improved policy clarity [4] Group 4: Divergence Among Wall Street Banks - Major Wall Street banks exhibit divided views on the S&P 500's trajectory for 2026, with Bank of America projecting a cautious end around 7,100 due to valuation pressures and risks from weakening consumption [5] - Conversely, other banks foresee further upside driven by earnings growth and AI investment, with JPMorgan targeting 7,500, Goldman Sachs at 7,600, and Morgan Stanley forecasting 7,800 [6]