Recent May 2026 evening sales at Christie’s delivered the decisive catalyst, with Jackson Pollock’s Number 7A realizing $181.2 million and resetting the artist record amid broader strength that produced multiple new benchmarks above $100 million. This outcome has narrowed the gap, leaving the market near even as traders weigh whether additional ultra-high-value consignments will surface before year-end. Key swing factors include fall auction calendars at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, private-treaty activity among top collectors, and macroeconomic signals such as equity-market performance that historically influence eight-figure bidding. A quiet second half or softer presale estimates could reinforce the current slight edge for no further $150 million result.