Tom Lee and Peter Brandt predict that the S & P 500 will reach 8000 by the end of 2026, with a 69% p

BitMine Chairman Tom Lee and veteran trader Peter Brandt pointed out that the S & P 500 index could rise to 8000 before the end of the year, although investors are focusing on the weakness of large technology stocks, energy costs and a possible autumn correction.

Tom Lee expects the S & P 500 to exceed 8000 points.

Tom Lee said that as artificial intelligence trading continues to be active and earnings expectations improve, the S & P 500 may rise above 8000 points before the end of 2026. He described a possible three-stage path: the index first rose to near 7700, then retreated 10% to 15%, and finally rebounded above 8000 before the end of the year.

Lee's forecast is based on stronger earnings and more reasonable valuations. He pegged his 8000-point target to 2027 earnings of about $400 per share, which means the index's forward P/E ratio is about 20 times. He also pointed out that since January, the market P/E ratio has been compressed, and stocks still have room to rise if profits continue to grow.

Peter Brandt tracks bullish breakout patterns

Peter Brandt shared a daily chart of the S & P 500E-Mini Futures showing a rising triangle pattern. The index is currently trading around 7608 points, slightly below the resistance level around 7630 points. If the daily line closes above this level, a bullish breakthrough may be confirmed.

If the buyer maintains control, the measurement target of this form points to the 8000-point area. However, the bullish structure relies on support near 7450, where the uptrend line helps maintain momentum. A break below this area could weaken the bullish pattern and shift the focus to 7040, close to the 200-day moving average (approximately 7010).

Further downside support is around 6545 and the April low of around 6353. For now, Brandt's chart shows that the bullish scenario remains valid as long as the S & P 500 stands firm and supports and tests resistance.

Wall Street price targets converge around AI growth

Many large investment banks currently set year-end target prices around 8000 points. Citigroup raised its S & P 500 price target to 8100 points, and Goldman Sachs raised its forecast to 8000 points. Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank are also targeting the 8000-point level.

The common drivers are profit growth from artificial intelligence spending and corporate profit resilience. Large technology stocks and semiconductor stocks remain at the heart of this outlook, despite short-term pressures caused by recent sell-offs in some of the Big Seven stocks.

S & P 500 futures fell slightly as investors responded to a correction in technology stocks and concerns about energy costs. Strong earnings from companies such as Abbott partially offset the weakness, keeping the market focus focused on the broader earnings season.

Lee also commented on gold and silver after recent declines. He said long-term holders could take profits after strong gains because the two assets have moved beyond their role as stores of value and traded more closely to risky assets.

Autumn pullbacks remain the main risk

Lee's bullish forecast includes a warning that a pullback could occur between August and October. He said that even if the overall trend is positive at the end of the year, this correction may feel like a bear market.

Potential pressure points include: market testing the inflation stance of the new Federal Reserve chairman, liquidity pressure caused by the lifting of SpaceX shares, and a large amount of IPO supply. These factors could temporarily weaken risk appetite before a rebound at the end of the year.

The current bull market remains strong in history. The S & P 500 has risen about 95% since the end of 2022, making this one of the strongest cycles since 1928. The index has risen by about 51% since its April 2025 low, and despite short-term fluctuations, momentum remains solid.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong also linked the S & P 500 's rise to broader discussions on tokenization stocks. He said many global investors are still unable to directly invest in U.S. companies, and tokenized stocks can give users exposure through mobile phones and Internet connections.