Fundstrat head of research Tom Lee says the bullish case for U.S. stocks is strengthening, with the S&P 500 potentially rising above 7,700 before the end of the year.
In a new CNBC interview, Lee says improving earnings estimates, artificial intelligence-driven productivity gains and easing geopolitical risk could help fuel further upside for equities.
“To me this means I think for stocks for the year the upside case is strengthening. I think S&P above 7700 is very probable.”
Lee also points to the possibility that easing tensions in the Middle East could reduce the risk premium embedded in oil prices, which he says would help equities move higher. Lower energy prices can ease inflation pressure and improve sentiment across financial markets, particularly if investors grow more confident that geopolitical risks are fading.
Lee adds that stronger earnings expectations are another key pillar of his bullish outlook. Investors have closely watched whether corporate America can continue delivering profit growth after a strong run for stocks in recent quarters. He says rising productivity tied to artificial intelligence could provide another boost to margins and revenue growth.
The strategist has remained one of Wall Street’s more optimistic voices on equities as markets weigh resilient corporate earnings, AI enthusiasm and shifting macro conditions in 2026. His latest forecast suggests he believes those tailwinds remain intact heading into the second half of the year.
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