Ted Thatcher believes the uptick in GDP and corporate profits confirm an incoming uptrend for the stock market even as macro volatility takes aim at current momentum. He's in the camp the S&P 500 (SPX) will reach 8,000 by the end of 2026 and believes the index would be significantly higher if not for the U.S.-Iran war. One key bearish indicator he sees for equities: lasting pressure from price hikes in the energy trade. Ted still expects to see high demand for Treasury yields even as the 10-year and 30-year hit multi-decade highs. He turns to his outlook for the financial sector as big banks get ready to report earnings.