Key Insights:
- Goldman Sachs expects global stocks to keep going up in 2026, according to a recent crypto news report.
- The US Federal Reserve may also ease its policies a bit, which could help support the growth of stocks.
- Equity prices, weighted by regional market size, to climb 9 percent. Including dividends, returns could reach 11 percent in US dollars. Most of this growth will come from earnings.
- Right now, Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 is slightly negative, at -0.02. That means, early this year, it isn’t moving like a typical “risk-on” stock.
Goldman Sachs expects global stocks to keep going up in 2026, according to a recent crypto news report. They’re predicting about an 11% return over the next year, including dividends. As per the report, the growth will likely be the result of stronger company profits and a steady economy.
Goldman Sachs Outlines 2026 Outlook for Global Equities
As per the latest crypto news report, Goldman Sachs stated that global stocks will keep rising in 2026, with the economy expected to expand by 2.8%.
The US Federal Reserve may also ease its policies a bit, which could help support this growth. Peter Oppenheimer, Goldman Sachs Research’s chief global equity strategist, says a major market downturn is unlikely unless a recession hits.
He notes that next year’s returns will be driven mainly by profit growth rather than higher valuations. Analysts forecast equity prices, weighted by regional market size, to climb 9 percent. Including dividends, returns could reach 11 percent in US dollars. Most of this growth will come from earnings.
Goldman Sachs warns that 2026 gains are unlikely to match the strong rally of 2025. The pace of returns will probably be more moderate.
Goldman Sachs notes that last year’s stock market rally was uneven. The start of 2025 was rough for stocks and the crypto market. The S&P 500 dropped nearly 20% between February and April before making a comeback.
Now, valuations are high across major markets—from the US and Japan to Europe and emerging economies.
For 2026, the bank set clear targets for key markets. Goldman Sachs expects the S&P 500 to hit 7,600 next year, signaling a potential 11% total return for investors. Europe’s STOXX 600 may climb to 625, up 7%.
Japan’s TOPIX is projected at 3,600, a 4% gain, while the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan could rise to 825, delivering a 12% return.
The report says the market is in the “optimism phase” of the cycle, which began after the COVID-driven bear market in 2020. When markets reach the late stage of optimism, valuations are often high, and prices can sometimes climb even beyond forecasts.
Crypto News: Bitcoin vs. the S&P 500: Are They Still in Sync?
As 2026 began with stocks on the rise, investors kept a close eye on crypto news and Bitcoin to see if it would follow the S&P 500.
Last year, the crypto market mostly tracked the index, according to CryptoQuant data. But there were a few moments in September, November, and twice in December when it broke away. Analysts say these aren’t just short-term blips.
They hint at bigger shifts in how Bitcoin reacts to the broader market.
Right now, Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 is slightly negative, at -0.02. That means, early this year, the crypto isn’t moving like a typical “risk-on” stock.
History shows these patterns can flip quickly. If stocks surge, Bitcoin, as well as the broader crypto market, might fall back in line, catching the momentum.
For now, investors are watching closely as Bitcoin’s moves still don’t follow a predictable script.