Group 1 - Morgan Stanley has raised its year-end target for the S&P 500 index from 5200 to 6000, indicating a more optimistic outlook for the U.S. stock market [1] - The chief equity strategist at Morgan Stanley, Dubravko Lakos-Bujas, stated that as long as there are no major policy surprises, the stock market is likely to continue reaching new highs [1] - Other institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays have also shifted to a bullish stance on U.S. stocks recently [1] Group 2 - The main drivers for the bullish outlook on U.S. stocks include the ongoing AI boom, systematic strategy funds buying due to decreased market volatility, and active funds taking advantage of price dips [2] - In April, concerns over the chaotic trade policies of the Trump administration led to significant downward revisions of the S&P 500 index forecasts, marking one of the most severe downgrades since the pandemic began in 2020 [2] - Lakos-Bujas anticipates a potential short squeeze as institutional investors who sold stocks in April are now looking to buy back at higher prices, with large tech stocks expected to lead the market rally [2] Group 3 - There is a cautionary note regarding a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy in the second half of the year, with current stock valuations being high and a need to be aware of possible corrections [2] - If the economic slowdown prompts the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates sooner, the market may overlook weak data and instead focus on short-term rebounds in small-cap and cyclical stocks [2]