Stocks will present a buying opportunity amid selloff, says Citi's Scott Chronert

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 20, 2026 at 20:06  |  4:41  |  CNBC
Speakers
Scott Chronert — Managing Director, Citi

Summary

Scott Chronert, Citi's U.S. equity strategist, says recent market volatility from Japanese bonds and European geopolitical headlines is creating a buying opportunity rather than derailing a constructive U.S. equity outlook. He reiterates Citi's 7700 S&P 500 target, tied to 320 index EPS and a Q4 beat-and-raise cycle, while monitoring Treasury yields. He also remains positive on the small- and mid-cap pivot, citing upcoming fiscal stimulus as a tailwind, though materially higher 10-year yields would force a rethink.

  • Citi's Scott Chronert remains constructive on U.S. equities and expects a buying opportunity amid the selloff.
  • S&P 500 target of 7700 rests on 320 index EPS and Q4 beat-and-raise.
  • Japanese bond moves and Europe/Greenland headlines are macro risks being monitored.
  • Bond market vigilante and U.S. deficit math are on watch.
  • Citi had expected lower 10-year Treasury yields and fewer policy distractions.
  • Small- and mid-cap pivot is still early innings, with fiscal stimulus seen as a tailwind.
  • Higher 10-year yields would require a rethink of the small/mid-cap view.
Ideas
Scott Chronert Managing Director, Citi 0:36
Buying opportunity in U.S. equities.
Despite volatility from Japanese bond market moves, the European/Greenland situation, and policy distractions, Citi remains constructive on U.S. equities. Chronert expects the selloff to create a buying opportunity, with an S&P 500 target of 7700 supported by a high Street index EPS estimate of 320 that requires a Q4 beat-and-raise dynamic. He also expects lower 10-year Treasury yields and that policy distractions will lessen, leaving room for a constructive year with 11 months remaining.
Scott Chronert Managing Director, Citi 3:21
Not backing off small/mid-cap pivot.
Citi is not backing off its small- and mid-cap pivot. Chronert argues it is still early innings for a fundamental pivot in growth expectations down the market-cap spectrum, and that various forms of fiscal stimulus should tailwind the economically sensitive part of U.S. equities. He only would rethink the view if the 10-year yield rises materially from current levels.
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This CNBC video, published January 20, 2026, features Scott Chronert discussing SPY, IWM, MDY. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Scott Chronert  · Tickers: SPY, IWM, MDY