Barclays raises 2026 S&P 500 target to 7,650 on tech growth

The United Kingdom-based brokerage Barclays PLC has increased its 2026 year-end target for the S&P 500, citing confidence in corporate earnings and the technology sector. The firm raised its forecast to 7,650 from a previous 7,400, suggesting a potential 16.2% increase from the recent closing price of 6,581.00. This optimistic outlook comes despite a 4.3% decline in the index since the conflict involving Iran began, which has driven oil prices higher and pushed investors toward safe-haven assets.