[Citi: Raises S&P 500 Earnings Forecast, AI Remains a Key Variable for Reaching 8100 Points] BlockBeats News, August 14 – Citi, in its latest report, continues to hold a bullish view on the U.S. stock market earnings cycle. The Citi equity strategy team, led by Scott Chronert, has raised its 2026 S&P 500 EPS forecast from $350 to $365, while maintaining its year-end target of 8100 points. Citi believes that second-quarter earnings reports indicate there is still room for growth in U.S. stock revenues and profit margins, with corporate earnings resilience stronger than previously expected. This assessment comes as U.S. stocks hit new highs. Following weaker-than-expected U.S. July PPI data, market concerns over Federal Reserve policy pressures have eased, and the S&P 500 remains near historic highs. Citi argues that the rally is not solely driven by valuation expansion, as upward earnings revisions are providing new support for the index. However, AI remains a key variable for achieving the 8100-point target. Citi states that the contribution of AI-related industries to index earnings remains significant. If revenue continues to materialize in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, cloud services, and the power supply chain, the market will be more willing to accept high valuations. At the same time, the bank emphasizes that the rally has a foundation for further broadening, with improved earnings across more industries helping the U.S. stock market move away from its reliance on a handful of tech giants.