Almost 60% of the stocks in the S&P 500 index now have a “buy” recommendation from Wall Street analysts. This is a record level. Sentiment improved after the U.S. and Iran agreed to stop strikes and ease tensions.
This is an important signal for the markets. On one hand, analysts are increasingly betting on the growth of U.S. stocks. On the other, reduced risks in the Middle East support demand for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
‘Buy’ Ratings Among S&P 500 Stocks Near Record High
According to chief market strategist Creative Planning Charlie Bilello, almost 60% of companies in the S&P 500 index now have a “buy” recommendation. FactSet data shows that in June, 59.4% of index stocks received such ratings.
The share of “hold” recommendations fell to 35.7%, and only 4.9% were “sell” recommendations, which is below the five-year average. “Sell” recommendations on Wall Street are traditionally rare, as analysts much more often advise “buy” or “hold.”
Bilello himself does not see this optimism as an unambiguous buy signal. He rather sees it as a reason to be more cautious. When almost everyone already expects good news, it is harder for the market to surprise investors with something even more positive.
Sentiment improved after reports that the U.S. and Iran agreed to halt hostilities. According to Axios, representatives of the two countries are set to meet Tuesday in Doha.
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The parties want to temporarily ease tensions so commercial ships can pass more freely through the region and talks can continue at a technical level.
The meeting is expected to discuss ceasefire terms, maritime security measures, and a direct military hotline between the U.S. and Iran. It has not yet been activated.
This agreement is a continuation of the truce reached on June 18. That pause quickly collapsed, and within days, strikes resumed. Now, markets are once again pricing in hopes for a calmer scenario.
What This Means for Cryptocurrencies and Risk Assets
For the crypto market, not only the fact of negotiations matters, but also the situation around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 20 million barrels of oil pass through it every day. That is about one-fifth of global consumption.
Any escalation in this region quickly hits risk assets. Cryptocurrencies usually react especially sharply. For example, on June 3, bitcoin’s drop below $66,000 led to liquidations of about $1.84 billion. According to CoinGlass, this was the largest volume since February.
Meanwhile, there is now a noticeable gap between stocks and bitcoin. The stock market is near its highs, while bitcoin is trading closer to local lows. For investors in risk assets, this divergence is worth watching.
On Monday, bitcoin was around $59,633. Over the week, it lost about 6%, despite the news of talks between the U.S. and Iran. From the October 2025 peak near $126,080, the price remains about 53% lower.
Bitcoin price dynamics. Source: TradingView.
After the June agreement, oil prices fell and U.S. stocks rose. But bitcoin trades around the clock, so it often reacts first to such news, even before the stock market opens.
The situation is still fragile. Donald Trump said he is ready to see things through if necessary, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps again warned of risks around the Strait of Hormuz.
Bank of America has long classified bitcoin as a risk asset rather than an inflation hedge. Therefore, its connection with the stock market works both ways. In calm periods, it helps growth, but when sentiment worsens, it can amplify declines.
For now, markets are supported by a combination of two factors: record analyst optimism and reduced tensions in the Middle East. But going forward, everything will depend on whether the agreements hold after Tuesday’s talks, whether oil remains calm, and what the Fed and bitcoin itself will do.
