Ed Yardeni raised his year-end 2026 target for the S&P 500 to 8,250 from 7,700,
implying nearly 12% upside from Friday’s close. The Yardeni Research chief
investment strategist cited stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings and
increased his earnings-per-share estimates to $330 for 2026 and $375 for 2027.
Yardeni said consensus earnings forecasts have “rocketed above our targets,”
driving an “earnings-led meltup” in equities. HSBC and CFRA Research also lifted
their S&P 500 targets, though analysts warned elevated valuations and Middle
East tensions remain risks to the rally.
