Predictions from market experts for 2013

[December 29, 2012]  (AP) -- What lies ahead for the stock market? The AP asked leading market analysts and investment managers where they see the Standard & Poor's 500 index winding up by the end of 2013 and why. The S&P 500 closed at 1,402 Friday.

GOLDMAN SACHS:

Year-end target for the S&P 500: 1,575

Reasoning: The "turbulent political environment" that held back investment 2012 will end. Company revenues will edge higher and earnings will rise.

BARCLAYS CAPITAL:

Year-end target for the S&P 500: 1,525

Reasoning: Capital spending will stabilize and the U.S. will benefit from improved manufacturing competitiveness and an energy boom.

BMO PRIVATE BANK:

Year-end target for the S&P 500: 1,500

Reasoning: The fiscal drag from higher taxes and lower government spending will offset an accommodating Federal Reserve.

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES:

Year-end target for the S&P 500: 1,390

Reasoning: The U.S. economy flirts with recession, exports decline and investment falls.

[Associated Press]

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