This year has seen a volatile stock market, but investors have experienced gains as markets rallied to new highs, surpassing analysts’ expectations for 2024. The S&P 500 has surged over 10% since January, exceeding Goldman Sachs’ year-end target of 5,200. The question of what comes next is on investors’ minds, with Goldman Sachs’ strategists suggesting a scenario in which mega-cap tech stocks could continue to push the S&P 500 even higher, reaching 6,000 by year-end.
The current rally in growth stocks is seen as different from previous market crashes, with investors focusing more on companies’ actual profitability. Despite the current enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, Goldman’s analysts believe growth expectations and valuations for tech, media, and telecommunication stocks are not yet in bubble territory. The investment bank also considers a more conservative scenario in which the S&P 500 climbs 11% to reach 5,800 by year-end, aligning with pre-pandemic valuation levels.
Future shifts in the market hinges on the Federal Reserve’s next policy move, with concerns that the central bank may keep interest rates elevated for longer than expected due to persistent inflation. A change in interest rate outlook without a negative impact on the economy is necessary for the market rally to broaden. The analysts also outlined a worst-case scenario in which mega tech stocks underperform, leading to a 14% market decline this year.
Goldman Sachs analysts maintain their baseline prediction of 5,200 for the S&P 500, suggesting only a 1% drop by year-end. They believe that both the expected path of the federal funds rate and their optimistic economic growth forecast are already factored into market prices. Ultimately, the trajectory of the market will be influenced by factors such as interest rate decisions and the performance of tech stocks in the coming months.
Overall, the stock market has seen significant gains this year, outpacing expectations and reaching new highs. Investors are now looking to the future and contemplating potential scenarios for market performance. While there are optimistic forecasts for continued growth, uncertainties related to interest rates and company profitability may impact the trajectory of the market. Goldman Sachs analysts remain cautiously optimistic, maintaining their predictions while acknowledging the potential risks ahead. Investors will need to stay vigilant and closely monitor market developments in the months to come.
