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Top brokerages expect the benchmark S&P 500 index to extend its rally in 2026, betting on AI momentum and strong corporate earnings, while the war in Iran continues to weigh on investor sentiment, reports Reuters. Strategists expect AI-led earnings strength to offset the short-term economic impact from the conflict in the Middle East, even as concerns over higher inflation and disruption to global energy flows persist. HSBC and UBS Global Wealth Management raised their index targets over the 8,000 mark, while Barclays also lifted its forecast to 7,950. 

As discussions for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas reach a pivotal stage, new findings from CNN data expert Harry Enten reveal a dramatic change in how Americans view the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.For the first time in over four decades of polling, a greater number of Americans now express support for Palestinians than for Israelis.“Back in October 2023, public opinion favored Israel by a wide 48-point margin,” Enten explained. “Today, that balance has flipped — Palestinians are ahead by a single point. We've never seen anything like this.”According to Enten, this marks the first recorded lead for Palestinians in U.S. sentiment regarding the long-standing Middle East dispute — a shift he described as “historic in its scale.”Democratic Voters Drive the ChangeThe most significant transformation has occurred within the Democratic Party. In 2023, Democratic voters leaned toward Israel by 26 points. That has now reversed, with Democrats backing Palestinians by 46 points — a massive 72-point swing.“It’s not just a shift — it’s a full-scale reversal,” Enten noted, adding that the war in Gaza, especially its toll on civilians, has had a strong impact on younger generations.Republican Views Split by AgeWhile Republican support for Israel remains strong overall, there's a clear generational divide emerging. Among Republicans over 50, Israel holds a 66-point advantage in sympathy. But that lead shrinks dramatically to just 25 points among Republicans under 50.“That’s a striking 40-point difference,” Enten said. “Younger Republicans are noticeably more open to the Palestinian perspective compared to older members of the party.”Majority of Americans Want Conflict to EndAlongside this shift in sympathy, there’s broad public backing for peace efforts. Recent polling shows that over 80% of Americans favor a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas:51% say it’s very or extremely important meanwhile, 31% consider it somewhat important“With negotiations underway and the possibility of hostages being released, the American public is clearly hoping for a resolution,” Enten said. “People want this war to come to an end.”