Can the S&P Hit 7,000 By Year-End? 2 Stocks That Could Lead the Way

"With the S&P 500 surging as high as 6,700 before taking a bit of a breather to end the month, many investors have their sights set on the 7,000 milestone by year's end. And while it seems extraordinary, it only entails a gain of about 5.5% in a single quarter. Undoubtedly, the S&P 500 gained well over 6% since the start of August, making the run to 7,000 not only realistic, but maybe even likely,"

"Though I do see stocks as poised to run into a few road bumps in late-September, some big-name strategists think a run to 7,000 by year's end is in the cards. Most notably, Deutsche Bank's chief global strategist thinks the powerful AI tailwind and lower interest rates will help get markets there. Famed Fundstrat bull Tom Lee thinks a run to 7,000 is also possible, while JPMorgan, while still upbeat, doesn't see 7,000 hit until the early part of 2026."

S&P 500 recently surged to about 6,700 and a 7,000 year-end target would require roughly a 5.5% gain in a single quarter. The index has gained well over 6% since early August, making the run to 7,000 realistic amid strong monthly gains. Continued momentum could produce a Santa Claus rally despite warnings about bubbly valuations. Several strategists cite an AI-driven tailwind and lower interest rates as drivers, with some forecasting 7,000 by year-end while others push the target into early 2026. Market leadership may rotate, and Apple’s iPhone 17 launch and upgraded hardware position it as a potential leader.

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