Global Equity Markets Predicted to Soar in 2026
Goldman Sachs has unveiled an optimistic outlook for 2026, projecting an 11% global equity return fueled by earnings growth and expanding economies worldwide. This forecast highlights new opportunities for investors in both traditional and digital markets.
According to Peter Oppenheimer, Chief Global Equity Strategist at Goldman Sachs, the global economy is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2026. This growth will be bolstered by modest policy easing from the Federal Reserve and a stable macroeconomic environment. “We foresee 2026 returns being driven more by fundamental profit growth than by rising valuations,” Oppenheimer emphasized in the report.
Stock Market Highlights
The targets outlined by Goldman Sachs include a potential 11% return for the S&P 500, positioning it at 7,600 points. Similar growth is projected across other global indices, such as Europe’s STOXX 600 (7% return), Japan’s TOPIX (4% return), and the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan (12% return). However, the rally’s pace is expected to moderate compared to the sharp gains observed in 2025.
The report also highlights a phase of “late-cycle optimism” in the markets. Historically associated with rising valuations, this phase began during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery in 2020 and has since driven equity growth across regions.
The AI Boom: Opportunities and Risks
Goldman’s analysis delves into the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence-related stocks in 2026. While the focus on AI continues to grow, analysts clarified that the sector’s performance does not necessarily constitute an AI bubble. Investors are urged to closely evaluate opportunities and remain vigilant of market dynamics.
What Does This Mean for Crypto?
The big question on investors’ minds: how will cryptocurrencies react to the expected equity market rally? Historically, Bitcoin (BTC) and other digital assets have shared a positive correlation with the S&P 500. However, this connection has shown signs of decoupling as the crypto market matures.
In 2025, Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 fluctuated, with notable periods of independence during September, October, and December. Early 2026 data reveals a slight negative correlation (-0.02), suggesting that Bitcoin is trading as an independent asset rather than an equity proxy. Still, a sustained equity rally could create a positive tailwind for Bitcoin, depending on market sentiment.
Investing in a Balanced Portfolio
As traditional and digital markets evolve, diversifying investments is critical. For those exploring cryptocurrencies, storage and security should remain top priorities. The Ledger Nano X, a secure hardware wallet, is highly recommended to ensure your crypto investments remain safe.
Conclusion
Goldman Sachs’ 2026 forecasts underline promising opportunities across global equity markets and the growing complexity of the crypto market. By staying informed and adapting strategies, investors can position themselves for success in this dynamic economic landscape.
