The S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished Q2 2026 with their biggest quarterly gains since 2020, as investor optimism about economic and earnings growth persisted despite the Middle East conflict. The S&P 500 recorded its best quarterly performance since 2020 following a recovery in recent weeks. Investors returned to growth stocks amid optimism regarding peace negotiations in Iran and strong corporate earnings. The S&P 500 index finished the week up 1.7%, marking its best weekly performance in two months.
BNY Mellon projects the S&P 500 to reach 7,300 within 12 months, highlighting the index's ability to withstand geopolitical tensions and recessions.
Read the full storyThe S&P 500 index climbed 1.7% this week, marking its strongest performance in two months and leaving it just 1.7% below its all-time record.
The benchmark index concluded a record quarter driven by geopolitical optimism and robust corporate earnings, marking a significant rebound for growth-focused assets.
The indices recorded strong gains in Q2 driven by investor optimism on economic growth and earnings, shrugging off the Iran conflict.