S&P 500 breaches 7,000-point mark for 1st time over AI optimism

US' S&P 500 breached the 7,000-point mark for the first time on Wednesday. The rally in the index was driven by optimism over artificial intelligence and ​expectations of strong Big Tech earnings as well as monetary policy easing. Analysts expect profit for S&P 500 companies to increase 15.5% in 2026, according to data compiled by LSEG.