10:50 - 3.07.2026
July 3, Fineko/abc.az. Wall Street enters the second half of 2026 with confidence that markets will sustain their upward momentum. Despite the conflict in the Middle East, sharp fluctuations in oil prices, and shifting interest rate forecasts, diversified portfolios achieved their strongest first-half returns since 2021. During this period, the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index gained approximately 20%.
Key Shifts and Expectations:
"Magnificent Seven" Loses Ground: The famous tech giants lost their leadership position, slipping about 2% in total return. Investors are now shifting their preference away from companies that use AI toward those building the underlying AI infrastructure.
Alternative Assets: Gold, silver, and Bitcoin closed the first half of the year lower amid the broader market rally.
Targets Remain High: Although experts note that certain segments of the AI infrastructure ecosystem appear overvalued, optimism persists. According to a Bloomberg survey, Wall Street strategists' average year-end target for the S&P 500 index stands at 7,716 points, implying an additional 3% upside potential.
