Tom Lee, in a recent CNBC interview, predicted that the S&P 500 will reach new all-time highs before entering a bear market later in 2026. Despite a narrow range-bound movement this year, Lee anticipates a rise in U.S. equities in the coming weeks, with a potential market decline once positive news ceases to impact stock prices. He noted that software stocks, major U.S. tech companies, and cryptocurrencies have already experienced bear markets, reducing speculative activity. Lee also discussed the impact of rising oil prices, suggesting they benefit the U.S. economy as an oil exporter. He believes this will lead to capital inflows into the U.S. as it outperforms global growth, positioning the U.S. stock market as a global growth index. Lee expects the market to close March higher, potentially reaching 7,300 points, before a bear market emerges later this year.