Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) Stock

NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a diversified defense contractor providing aeronautics, defense, and space systems. The company's aerospace segment creates the fuselage for the massive F-35 program, produces autonomous and piloted aircraft such as Global Hawk drones and the new B-21 bomber, and maintains and upgrades numerous military aircraft. Defense systems makes artillery and missile ammunition and guidance systems, long-range missiles, and missile defense systems. Mission systems creates and integrates a variety of radar, navigation, and communication systems for avionics, weapons control, and countermeasures on a range of platforms from helicopters to destroyers. Space systems produces satellites, sensors, space structures, and rocket motors.

Northrop Grumman Corporation Common Stock

Northrop Grumman Corp

Norden Crown Metals Corp Ordinary Shares

Fitzroy Minerals Inc

Innovator Growth-100 Power Buffer ETF- October

Anduril Industries CEO Palmer Luckey publicly thanked President Donald Trump on Monday after the president announced resumed U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, marking a significant policy shift for the defense technology executive&#8217;s company.
What Happened: &#8220;Thank you, Donald Trump!&#8221; Luckey wrote on X, responding to Trump&#8217;s declaration that the United States would send additional arms to help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks. 
The president&#8217;s comments came during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Trump stated: &#8220;We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves. They&#8217;re getting hit very hard. We&#8217;re going to have to send more weapons.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>! <a href="https://t.co/hYGPUzAA1W">https://t.co/hYGPUzAA1W</a>
&mdash; Palmer Luckey (@PalmerLuckey) <a href="https://twitter.com/PalmerLuckey/status/1942411606287163770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
According <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/trump-told-zelensky-he-wasnt-responsible-for-weapons-holdup-f684444b">to</a> the Wall Street Journal, Trump&#8217;s announcement represents the strongest indication yet that he has embraced strengthening Ukraine&#8217;s defenses after months of unsuccessful negotiations with Moscow.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed late Monday that the Department of Defense would send additional defensive weapons &#8220;at President Trump&#8217;s direction.&#8221;
The weapons resumption follows a controversial pause in shipments that surprised the State Department, Congress, and Ukrainian officials.
The halted deliveries included Patriot antimissile interceptors, AIM-120 antiaircraft missiles, howitzer rounds, and GMLRS missiles for HIMARS rocket launchers, according to a WSJ report, which cited sources.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46288472/japans-prime-minister-criticizes-trumps-tariff-decision-shigeru-ishiba-calls-move-truly-regrettable">Japan&#8217;s Prime Minister Criticizes Trump&#8217;s Tariff Decision: Shigeru Ishiba Calls Move &#8216;Truly Regrettable&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Luckey&#8217;s company has significant exposure to Ukraine&#8217;s defense needs. The Southern California-based contractor disclosed in July that its autonomous weapons systems destroyed &#8220;hundreds of millions&#8221; worth of Russian military assets since deploying personnel and hardware <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46238717/anduril-ceo-palmer-luckey-says-weapons-destroyed-hundreds-of-millions-in-russian-assets-urges-us-military-aid-to-ukraine">just two weeks into the invasion</a>.
Anduril recently raised $2.5 billion at a $30.5 billion valuation, more than doubling from last year&#8217;s $14 billion mark.
The defense sector has benefited from surging global military spending, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45032800/global-defense-budgets-surge-to-27-trillion-as-europe-and-middle-east-lead-steepest-increase-since-cold-war-report">rose 9.4% to $2.72 trillion in 2024</a>. The U.S. has provided $66.9 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia&#8217;s 2022 invasion, with the last major package worth $1.22 billion approved in December under the Biden administration.
Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a Friday phone call that he wasn&#8217;t responsible for the weapons halt, which came after a Pentagon munitions review following U.S. strikes on Iran&#8217;s nuclear sites, according to WSJ. The White House National Security Council will meet on Tuesday to discuss new weapons deliveries.
Defense stocks have rallied on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44378672/defense-stocks-are-soaring-expert-sees-170-as-achievable-by-year-end-for-this-preferred-pick">increased military spending expectations</a>, with analysts targeting RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) at $170 by year-end.
Other major contractors, including Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>), stand to benefit from sustained defense demand driven by NATO budget increases and global tensions.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46288786/us-export-bans-and-nvidia-supply-issues-crush-samsung-chip-profits-hopes-rest-on-ultra-thin-foldables-smartwatches-and-possible-xr-debut-at-galaxy-unpacked-event">US Export Bans And Nvidia Supply Issues Crush Samsung Chip Profits — Hopes Rest On Ultra-Thin Foldables, Smartwatches And Possible XR Debut At Galaxy Unpacked Event</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Tada Images / Shutterstock.com

Politics

Anduril CEO Palmer Luckey Says 'Thank You' As Trump Resumes Ukraine Arms Shipments

Nearly six months into President Donald Trump's second term, the market has picked its winners—and it's not on ESG, the strategy built around environmental,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/esg"> social and governance principles.</a>
As deregulation gains steam and culture wars escalate, a group of so-called &#8220;sin stocks&#8221; tied to guns, booze, tobacco, and gambling is sharply beating clean investing strategies.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sin Stocks Are Smoking ESG—and Trump Might Be The Reason</h3>
Since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, the USA Mutuals Vice Fund (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VICEX#NASDAQ">VICEX</a>) — a portfolio built around industries typically shunned by ethical investors — has jumped 16.4%. By contrast:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESGV#NYSE">ESGV</a>) is up just 3.5%.</li>
<li>The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) gained 4.2%.</li>
<li>The Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) rose 6%. </li>
</ul>
This shift reflects a broader investor reallocation toward industries that benefit from Trump's deregulatory, America-first agenda—and away from sectors screened for ESG compliance.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="529" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-1024x529.png" alt="" class="wp-image-975026" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-1024x529.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-768x397.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-1536x794.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07105031/image-66-2048x1059.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Driving Sin Stocks Higher?</h2>
The USA Mutuals Vice Fund, launched in 2002, invests at least 80% of its assets in companies tied to alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and defense.
It concentrates a minimum of 25% in these four "vice industries," which the fund defines as sectors often subject to social disapproval or regulatory risk. 
No single industry makes up more than 80% of the portfolio. The fund also maintains global exposure, investing at least 40% of assets in non-U.S. companies across a minimum of three countries.
 Its top holdings as of March 31, 2025 have delivered eye-catching returns in 2025:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>BAE Systems plc (OTCPK: BAESY): +79.3%</li>
<li>Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PM#NYSE">PM</a>): +51.8%</li>
<li>British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTI#NYSE">BTI</a>): +46.9%</li>
<li>Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BUD#NYSE">BUD</a>): +38.8%</li>
<li>RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>): +28.0%</li>
<li>Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>): +28.5%</li>
<li>Heineken N.V. (OTCPK: HEINY): +25.9%</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>): +9.4%</li>
<li>Diageo plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DEO#NYSE">DEO</a>): -17.1% (the lone laggard). </li>
</ul>
In particular, a portfolio of defense contractors—tracked by the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>)—has surged 25% year-to-date, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions and further escalated by the recent Israel–Iran war.
&#8220;The Vice Fund remains committed to its core belief that certain stocks are undervalued because certain factions of society deem them morally questionable,&#8221; said portfolio manager Paul Strehle in the fund's latest quarterly report.
&#8220;Our core holdings remain military defense, casino, alcohol, and tobacco stocks because they typically have an inelastic customer base that is unlikely to be swayed by whether the product price rises or falls,&#8221; he added. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ESG Stocks Struggle Despite Big Tech Exposure</h2>
Despite the Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF including several of the market's strongest tech names, it hasn't kept up with vice stocks. 
Top 10 ESGV Holdings and 2025 YTD Returns:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>): +18.1%</li>
<li>Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): +18.6%</li>
<li>Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>): -15.1%</li>
<li>Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): +2.0%</li>
<li>Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): +24.3%</li>
<li>Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>): +20.0%</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>): -6.1%</li>
<li>Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>): -27.4%</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>): -6.1%</li>
<li>JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>): +24.8%</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46271577/trumps-big-beautiful-bill-slashes-solar-incentives-cathie-woods-ark-says-nuclear-may-now-be-cheapest-option-oklo-smr-ltbr-and-other-stocks-in-focus">Trump&#8217;s Big Beautiful Bill Slashes Solar Incentives — Cathie Wood&#8217;s Ark Says Nuclear May Now Be Cheapest Option: OKLO, SMR, LTBR And Other Stocks In Focus </a></li>
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Photo: Shutterstock

Equities

Government

Large Cap

Regulations

Sector ETFs

Specialty ETFs

AAPL

AMZN

AVGO

BABA

BAESY

ESGV

GOOGL

HEINY

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

MSFT

NVDA

TSLA

VICEX

Guns, Booze, And Gambling Stocks Are Crushing ESG In Trump's America

Lockheed Martin Corp. is a defense company that uses its capital to generate profits most efficiently as compared to its peers; however, the year-over-year growth of this specific metric has been tepid.
What Happened: A company&#8217;s capital efficiency, or how profitable a company is with the capital it has put to use, is measured by ROCE or Return on Capital Employed.
When a company demonstrates consistently growing ROCE, it signals its ability to be a compounding machine, skillfully reinvesting profits back into the business for increasingly higher returns.
In the case of defense stocks, Lockheed Martin has the highest ROCE among its peers, representing the management&#8217;s effectiveness in deploying capital for productive use.
As of the quarter ending March, LMT had an ROCE of 25.71%, higher than 22.97% from the same quarter of the previous year, highlights GuruFocus data.
As the year-over-year expansion was minimal, it might not be a super high-growth stock; however, Lockheed Martin&#8217;s solid 25.71% return on capital shows it&#8217;s running a really efficient business.
That strong performance probably explains why Lockheed Martin is a high-yielding stock and has a history of consistent dividend increases, with the current dividend yield at 2.85%, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LMT/dividends">Benzinga</a>. 
Here is a list of a few other defense stocks with their current ROCE.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. Defense Stocks</td>
<td>ROCE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</td>
<td>12.67%.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</td>
<td>13.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td>8.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td>25.71%.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</td>
<td>5.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td>8.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>11.04%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: GuruFocus</figcaption></figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46259795/everyone-talked-about-nvidia-apple-and-tesla-but-this-one-tech-stock-has-left-them-all-behind-in-2025">Everyone Talked About Nvidia, Apple And Tesla, But This One Tech Stock Has Left Them All Behind In 2025</a>
Why It Matters: Despite the high quality of the capital efficiency metric, Lockheed Martin stock has performed the worst among the given peers.
It has declined by over 4% in 2025 and is just above the flatline over a year. On the other hand, Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) remains the stock with the highest returns among its peers.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. Defense Stocks</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palantir Technologies Inc.</td>
<td>78.69%</td>
<td>385.05%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp.</td>
<td>12.93%</td>
<td>5.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp.</td>
<td>7.73%</td>
<td>17.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp.</td>
<td>-4.09%</td>
<td>0.16%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boeing Co.</td>
<td>25.63%</td>
<td>16.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp.</td>
<td>25.64%</td>
<td>45.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>46.44%</td>
<td>50.97%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings shows that LMT had a stronger price trend over the medium term and a weaker trend over the short and long term. Its momentum ranking was moderate, and its value ranking was poor at the 31.60th percentile. The details of other metrics are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="157" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-1024x157.png" alt="" class="wp-image-974030" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-1024x157.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-300x46.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE-768x118.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07012236/LMT-EDGE.png 1279w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
On the truncated trading day of July 3rd, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, scaled fresh records and ended higher. The SPY was up 0.79% at $625.34, while the QQQ advanced 0.98% to $556.22, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Monday, the futures of the S&amp;P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 indices were trading lower.
Read Next:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/07/46263063/nvidia-intel-broadcom-micron-amd-and-other-chipmakers-stand-to-benefit-as-trumps-tax-bill-increases">Nvidia, Intel, Broadcom, Micron, AMD And Other Chipmakers Stand To Benefit As Trump&#8217;s Tax Bill Increases Incentives To Make Semiconductors In US</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

PLTR

Lockheed Martin Tops Defense Peers In Capital Efficiency — But Market Isn't Impressed

Each week, Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71">EXCLUSIVE: June&#8217;s 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do CoreWeave, Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?</a>
Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending July 4:
US Foods Holding Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USFD#NYSE">USFD</a>): The food service distributor saw increased interest from readers during the shortened holiday week. JPMorgan maintained a Neutral rating on the stock while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USFD/analyst-ratings">raising the price target </a>from $82 to $85. US Foods shares trade near all time highs with momentum coming from the earnings report <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45297979/whats-going-on-with-us-foods-stock-on-thursday">back in May.</a> The company missed Street estimates for earnings per share and revenue, while reporting a 4.5% year-over-year sales increase and increased gross profits and total case volume. The company's net income was up 40% year-over-year in the first quarter. After a strong quarterly report and a June defense agency contract award win, the company could be one to watch.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="497" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972632" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165727/Screenshot-486-768x382.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FNV#NYSE">FNV</a>): Interest has been rising in gold and precious metals stocks in recent weeks. This week's Stock Whisper Index sees a precious metals company make it, but one of a different nature. Unlike past stocks that mine the metals that have made the list, Franco-Nevada is a gold-focused royalty and streaming company. The company does not operate mines or conduct exploration, instead owning a portfolio of royalties and streams. Franco-Nevada has a history of increasing its dividend and could be viewed as a safer bet in the sector than some of the other companies. UBS maintained a Buy rating and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FNV/analyst-ratings">raised the price target</a> from $205 to $210.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="496" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972633" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487-300x149.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165742/Screenshot-487-768x382.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Johnson Controls International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JCI#NYSE">JCI</a>): The commercial HVAC and building management company saw strong interest from readers during the week, which comes with analysts increasing their price target on the stock in recent months. Johnson Controls shares recently hit new all time highs with the stock up 35% year-to-date in 2025. Investors could be getting ready for upcoming third-quarter financial results, which are expected in late July. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share and revenue in two straight quarters. The strong recent earnings momentum along with an increased share buyback plan could see shares continue to take out new highs.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972634" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165757/Screenshot-488-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>): One of the largest defense contractors, Northrop Grumman saw increased interest from readers during the week with tensions in the Middle East<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46045651/northrop-grumman-jumps-5-overnight-as-b-2-bombers-return-to-missouri-after-36-hour-iran-strike-trump-says-job-well-done"> remaining heightened.</a> The company manufactures the B2 bomber and is involved in several other top defense weapons used. Investors are likely anticipating the company's second-quarter financial results later this month with analysts forecasting earnings per share to grow to $6.70 and revenue to decline to $10.11 billion. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters and for revenue in seven of the last 10 quarters. Northrop Grumman could be a winner if tension escalates in the Middle East and potentially thanks to increased defense spending by the US and other nations.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="503" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972635" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165811/Screenshot-489-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>): The biotech best known for its work on HIV and Hepatitis drugs recently<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/fda/25/06/46023093/fda-approves-gileads-game-changing-twice-yearly-shot-to-prevent-hiv-transmission-critics-slam-28k-price-tag"> received FDA approval</a> for Yeztugo, the first and only twice-yearly option in the US for pre-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the risk of HIV in adults. While the company received approval there are questions over how much the drug will be priced at with Gilead working with insurers to increase coverage options. High pricing of the drug could cause pushback against the company, while also helping boost revenue and earnings. Gilead is set to report quarterly financial results in August and could provide an update on the drug. The company has beaten analyst estimates in five straight quarters and beaten analyst revenue estimates in nine of the last 10 quarters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1001" height="494" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490.png" alt="" class="wp-image-972636" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490.png 1001w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490-300x148.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/03165827/Screenshot-490-768x379.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1001px) 100vw, 1001px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0703" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71">June 27</a></li>
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GILD

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Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

The Pentagon said on Wednesday that U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have degraded Iran&#8217;s nuclear program by up to two years, marking a significant escalation in the assessment of the military operation&#8217;s impact.
What Happened: Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told reporters the official estimate was &#8220;probably closer to two years,&#8221; though he provided no evidence to support the assessment. &#8220;We have degraded their program by one to two years, at least intel assessments inside the Department (of Defense) assess that,&#8221; Parnell said.
The strikes occurred on June 22 when U.S. B-2 stealth bombers made by Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46162332/iran-demands-us-guarantee-of-no-further-strikes-before-nuclear-talks-resume-are-we-going-to-see-a-repetition">targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities</a> at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The Pentagon&#8217;s assessment contradicts earlier leaked Defense Intelligence Agency estimates suggesting the strikes only delayed Iran&#8217;s program by months. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the operation&#8217;s effectiveness, saying the destruction of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46132996/marco-rubio-says-everything-under-the-mountains-is-in-bad-shape-rubbishes-claim-trump-strikes-only-bought-iran-time">Iran&#8217;s conversion facility at Esfahan was decisive</a>. &#8220;Everything underneath that mountain is in bad shape,&#8221; Rubio said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46238084/ex-obama-treasury-secretary-jack-lew-sounds-alarm-on-nyc-under-zohran-mamdani-i-worry-deeply">Ex-Obama Treasury Secretary Jack Lew Sounds Alarm On NYC Under Zohran Mamdani: &#8216;I Worry Deeply&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The strikes followed a 12-day Israel-Iran conflict that began June 13 when Israel targeted Iranian nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was close to building nuclear weapons. Iran responded with missile attacks <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46162332/iran-demands-us-guarantee-of-no-further-strikes-before-nuclear-talks-resume-are-we-going-to-see-a-repetition">before direct U.S. intervention</a>.
Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe confirmed the strikes &#8220;severely damaged&#8221; Iran&#8217;s nuclear program, citing &#8220;credible evidence&#8221; of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46107752/trump-announces-iran-nuclear-talks-following-us-strikes-that-severely-damaged-iranian-nuclear-program">destroyed key facilities</a>. However, International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi said Iran could restart uranium enrichment within &#8220;a matter of months.&#8221;
Markets responded positively to ceasefire prospects. Wedbush Securities analyst <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46162332/iran-demands-us-guarantee-of-no-further-strikes-before-nuclear-talks-resume-are-we-going-to-see-a-repetition">Dan Ives </a>called the Iran-Israel ceasefire &#8220;the most bullish outcome&#8221; for Wall Street, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46162332/iran-demands-us-guarantee-of-no-further-strikes-before-nuclear-talks-resume-are-we-going-to-see-a-repetition">predicting 2-3% gains for major indices</a>.
Iran&#8217;s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that the U.S. must guarantee no additional military strikes before <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46162332/iran-demands-us-guarantee-of-no-further-strikes-before-nuclear-talks-resume-are-we-going-to-see-a-repetition">Tehran will resume nuclear negotiations</a>. Iranian Ambassador to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani separately told CBS that uranium enrichment will &#8220;never stop,&#8221; citing it as an &#8220;inalienable right&#8221; under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Mike Mareen / Shutterstock.com

News

Pentagon Says US Strikes Set Back Iran's Nuclear Program By 2 Years After B-2 Bombers Hit Fordo, Natanz And Esfahan

Northrop Grumman's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 17.33% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.40 million shares sold short, which is 1.67% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.13 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Northrop Grumman Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1751400018_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Northrop Grumman has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Northrop Grumman's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Northrop Grumman's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.11%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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How Is The Market Feeling About Northrop Grumman?

Iran&#8217;s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that the United States must guarantee no additional military strikes before Tehran will resume nuclear negotiations, as markets rally on ceasefire prospects between Israel and Iran.
What Happened: Takht-Ravanchi&nbsp;told the BBC that the Trump administration has communicated through mediators its desire to return to diplomatic talks but has &#8220;not made their position clear&#8221; on preventing further attacks during negotiations. 
The stance comes after U.S. B-2 stealth bombers from Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) struck <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46094069/iran-breaks-silence-says-nuclear-facilities-badly-damaged-by-us-strikes">three Iranian nuclear facilities</a> at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan last weekend.
&#8220;Right now we are seeking an answer to this question: Are we going to see a repetition of an act of aggression while we are engaging in dialogue?&#8221; Takht-Ravanchi said in an interview from Tehran.
The strikes followed a 12-day Israel-Iran conflict that began June 13 when Israel targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, claiming Tehran was close to building nuclear weapons. Iran responded with missile attacks before the U.S. intervened directly.
Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46107752/trump-announces-iran-nuclear-talks-following-us-strikes-that-severely-damaged-iranian-nuclear-program">confirmed the strikes</a> &#8220;severely damaged&#8221; Iran&#8217;s nuclear program, citing &#8220;credible evidence&#8221; that key facilities were destroyed. However, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Iran could restart uranium enrichment within &#8220;a matter of months.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46161262/chinas-ant-group-boosts-rd-spending-to-record-3-26-billion-in-2024-amid-ai-push">China&#8217;s Ant Group Boosts R&amp;D Spending To Record $3.26 Billion In 2024 Amid AI Push</a>
Why It Matters: Markets responded positively to ceasefire prospects. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives called the Iran-Israel ceasefire &#8220;the most bullish outcome&#8221; for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46107752/trump-announces-iran-nuclear-talks-following-us-strikes-that-severely-damaged-iranian-nuclear-program">Wall Street, predicting 2-3% gains</a>. 
Iran&#8217;s parliament moved on Wednesday to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46160509/irans-top-diplomat-to-un-says-uranium-enrichment-to-continue-an-inalienable-right">suspend cooperation with the IAEA</a>, accusing the atomic watchdog of siding with Israel and the U.S. Iranian Ambassador to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani separately told CBS that uranium enrichment will &#8220;never stop,&#8221; citing it as an &#8220;inalienable right&#8221; under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Trump announced nuclear talks with Iran for next week but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46107752/trump-announces-iran-nuclear-talks-following-us-strikes-that-severely-damaged-iranian-nuclear-program">provided no venue details</a>. He dismissed intelligence assessments suggesting the strikes only delayed Iran&#8217;s program by months, calling the damage &#8220;obliteration.&#8221;
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Iran Demands US Guarantee Of No Further Strikes Before Nuclear Talks Resume: 'Are We Going To See A Repetition'

Snowcap Compute, a semiconductor startup developing superconducting AI chips, <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250623688438/en/Snowcap-Compute-Launches-with-%2423-Million-Led-by-Playground-Global-to-Power-the-Next-Era-of-AI-and-Quantum-Compute">announced</a> a $23 million seed round on Monday. According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/snowcap-compute-raises-23-million-superconducting-ai-chips-2025-06-23/">Reuters</a>, the company is backed by Playground Global and led by former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, who will also serve as board chair.
The funding round also included Cambium Capital and Vsquared Ventures.
The startup aims to create high-performance computing platforms that require significantly less power than current-generation chips. Snowcap said its superconducting architecture will deliver 25 times better performance per watt compared to existing AI systems.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Aiming for Radical Gains in AI and Quantum Computing</h2>
Snowcap Compute's superconducting chips are designed to operate with zero electrical resistance and require cryogenic cooling to function, according to Reuters. The company said the chips are being developed to reduce electricity consumption in artificial intelligence computing, a sector facing increasing energy demands.
Nvidia&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) upcoming Rubin Ultra server, expected in 2027, is projected to consume around 600 kilowatts of power—about two-thirds of the monthly electricity use of a typical U.S. household, Reuters reported.
Snowcap CEO Michael Lafferty, formerly with Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>), told Reuters that the performance-to-power ratio of Snowcap's architecture justifies the energy spent on cooling. "We're pushing the performance level way up and pulling the power down at the same time," he said.
Snowcap plans to release a basic chip by the end of 2026. Full system deployments will follow at a later stage. The chips will be manufactured in a conventional factory using niobium titanium nitride sourced from Brazil and Canada, Reuters reported.
Trending: GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/meet-the-company-seeking-to-give-americans-energy-independence-and-learn-how-you-can-become-an-early-investor">Become an Investor in This $41.3M Clean Energy Brand Today</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gelsinger: Compute Needs a &#8216;Sharp Break&#8217; From Today's Power Demands</h2>
Gelsinger, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42275410/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-forced-out-by-board-analysts-cheer-potential-strategy-shift-this-move-opens-the-door">stepped down as Intel CEO</a> in December, said the industry must rethink its reliance on increasingly power-hungry chips. "A lot of data centers today are just being limited by power availability," he told Reuters.
In a LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patgelsinger_snowcap-compute-raises-23-million-for-superconducting-activity-7342929937462435840-U2DE/">post</a>, Gelsinger described Snowcap as "the first commercially viable superconducting compute platform," and said it delivers performance and efficiency gains across classical, AI, and quantum workloads. He called it his first public investment as general partner at Playground Global and said the company's technology could address compute bottlenecks and "push the boundaries of what is possible with silicon."
See Also: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wideradvisor-retirement-planning">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team Includes Veterans From Nvidia, Northrop Grumman, and Google</h2>
Snowcap's founding team includes superconducting researchers Anna Herr and Quentin Herr, who previously worked at chip research firm Imed and defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>). The team also includes former executives from Nvidia and Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)) Google unit.
According to Snowcap, its architecture is engineered for high-performance AI inference and training, quantum-classical hybrid workloads, and low-latency systems.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Snowcap Joins Broader Push to Rethink Post-CMOS Era</h2>
Founded in 2024, Snowcap enters a growing field of startups pursuing alternatives to conventional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-based processors.&nbsp;
The company said its superconducting logic offers "orders-of-magnitude gains in processing speed and efficiency" and aims to support emerging compute workloads spanning AI, high-performance computing, and quantum workflows.
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From Power-Hungry AI to Energy Saver: Snowcap's $23M Move to Revolutionize Computing

<a href="https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/boeing-hires-former-northrop-exec-to-lead-air-force-one-program/">https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/boeing-hires-former-northrop-exec-to-lead-air-force-one-program/</a>

General

'Boeing Hires Former Northrop Exec To Lead Air Force One Program'- Breaking Defense

Mike Gallagher, Head of Defense at Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>), said Iran&#8217;s nuclear program has been &#8220;set back significantly&#8221; following weekend U.S. military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, though intelligence assessments remain conflicted over the operation&#8217;s long-term impact.
What Happened: Speaking <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/24/palantirs-mike-gallagher-enforcing-a-ceasefire-will-require-a-greater-investment-of-american-power.html">on</a> CNBC, Gallagher cited early reports indicating substantial damage to Iran&#8217;s nuclear infrastructure. &#8220;The early reports indicate we&#8217;ve set back the program significantly,&#8221; said Gallagher, a former Wisconsin congressman who joined Palantir as its defense chief.
The assessment comes amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46086403/us-attack-on-iranian-nuclear-sites-reportedly-set-tehran-back-only-a-few-months-white-house-calls-assessment-flat-out-wrong">conflicting intelligence reports</a> about Operation Midnight Hammer&#8217;s effectiveness. While the White House maintains the strikes were an &#8220;overwhelming success,&#8221; a Defense Intelligence Agency assessment suggests the damage may only delay Iran&#8217;s nuclear ambitions by &#8220;a few months, tops,&#8221; according to sources cited by CNN.
Seven B-2 stealth bombers from Northrop Grumman Corp. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46045651/northrop-grumman-jumps-5-overnight-as-b-2-bombers-return-to-missouri-after-36-hour-iran-strike-trump-says-job-well-done">conducted the 36-hour mission</a> targeting facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation involved over 125 aircraft and guided missile submarines in what Gallagher described as demonstrating capabilities &#8220;no other country in the world&#8221; possesses.
Gallagher emphasized the strikes&#8217; broader deterrent effect, particularly regarding China. &#8220;I do think this has had a positive effect on deterrence in Indo-Pacific Command,&#8221; he said, drawing parallels to similar dynamics during Trump&#8217;s first administration.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46087359/zohran-mamdani-leads-nyc-mayoral-primary-andrew-cuomo-concedes-race">Zohran Mamdani Leads NYC Mayoral Primary, Andrew Cuomo Concedes Race: &#8216;He Deserved It. He Won&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The former congressman noted that Iran&#8217;s enriched uranium stockpile reportedly remained intact, having been moved before the strikes. However, he highlighted the loss of Iranian nuclear scientists, stating Israel allegedly eliminated eight of 13 top Iranian nuclear experts, making program reconstruction more difficult.
President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Monday, though reports of renewed hostilities <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/46068524/israel-says-iran-broke-trump-ceasefire-orders-high-intensity-strikes-on-tehran">have raised durability concerns</a>. 
Palantir shares have surged 483% over 12 months, with the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45988762/palantir-rejects-surveillance-claims-after-being-compared-to-nazi-collaborators-touts-pltrs-transparent-lineage">securing over $113 million in new federal contracts</a> since Trump&#8217;s inauguration, including a $795 million Defense Department agreement.
According to&nbsp;Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings, Palantir shows strong Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Price Trends. Here's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how the stock performs across other key metrics</a>. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="890" height="644" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25053305/image-374.png" alt="" class="wp-image-961246" style="width:449px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25053305/image-374.png 890w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25053305/image-374-300x217.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25053305/image-374-768x556.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 890px) 100vw, 890px" /></a></figure>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: slyellow / Shutterstock.com

Palantir's Defense Chief Says Iran Nuclear Program 'Set Back Significantly' By US Strikes—But Intel Split On How Long

U.S. equities rallied Tuesday morning as investor sentiment improved following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, confirmed by both President Donald Trump and Israeli <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46072859/trump-says-israel-is-not-going-to-attack-iran-after-ceasefire-violation-turn-around-and-head-home">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>. 
The Nasdaq 100 jumped 1.6% to 22,200 by 12:45 p.m. ET, putting its February all-time high of 22,222 within striking distance. 
The tech-heavy index also formed a golden cross—a bullish chart pattern where the 50-day moving average moves above the 200-day, often seen as a signal of sustained upward momentum.
All major indexes posted gains of more than 1%. The S&amp;P 500 climbed to 6,100, nearing its record high of 6,147, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced to 43,120.
Oil prices plunged 5% to $64 a barrel, extending Monday's 7.2% drop and echoing the steep two-day declines observed in early April.
Sector performance was broadly positive, with technology and communication services leading the rally. Energy and consumer staples were the only sectors in negative territory.
The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) rose 1.8% to a record $247.26. Within the Magnificent Seven, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) surged 2.5%, outpacing peers.
Semiconductor stocks rebounded sharply, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) rallying 3.7%, recovering to levels last seen before the January selloff triggered by DeepSeek-related concerns.
Gold prices fell 1.5% to $3,320 per ounce, as investor demand for safe-haven assets weakened amid reduced geopolitical risk.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) edged up 0.5% to $106,000, following a 4.3% rally on Monday. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day %chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>22,199.49</td>
<td>1.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,160.13</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>43,117.36</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,095.41</td>
<td>1.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 12:45 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) rose 1.2% to $559.39.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) rose 1.2% to $430.75.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rallied 1.5% to $539.43.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) edged up by 1.2% to $214.36.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Technology&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund outperformed, up 1.9%; the&nbsp;Energy&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) lagged, down 1.1%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Carnival plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCL#NYSE">CCL</a>) rallied 7% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly results. </li>
<li>Other cruise and travel stocks rose, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>) up 4.5%, Royal Caribbean Cruised Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>), up 2.2% and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKNG#NASDAQ">BKNG</a>) up 2.8%. </li>
<li>Uber Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NASDAQ">UBER</a>) rallied over 8% after launching its autonomous ride-hailing service in Atlanta in partnership with Waymo, covering a 65-square-mile area.</li>
<li>Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) soared over 10% after the Senate passed the stablecoin bill. </li>
<li>Shares of defense contractors tumbled following the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) and RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) each fell by about 3%. </li>
</ul>
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Image: Shutterstock

Macro Economic Events

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Economics

ETFs

$BTC

BKNG

COIN

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

NCLH

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

UBER

Tech Stocks Eye Record Highs, Crude Drops To $64 On Iran-Israel Truce: What's Driving Markets Tuesday?

Israel accused Iran of violating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire Tuesday after detecting missile launches from Iranian territory, with Defense Minister Israel Katz ordering &#8220;high-intensity strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran.&#8221;
What Happened: The accusation came hours after President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social at 1:08 AM EST, declaring &#8220;The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!&#8221; 
Trump had announced a &#8220;complete and total ceasefire&#8221; between the nations Monday, outlining a phased timeline where Iran would initiate a 12-hour ceasefire six hours after his announcement, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46067020/trump-declares-israel-iran-ceasefire-now-in-effect-as-china-warns-of-spiraling-escalation-at-un">followed by Israel 12 hours later</a>.
Katz said the Israeli military would respond to &#8220;Iran&#8217;s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States through the launch of missiles toward Israel,&#8221; Reuters reported. However, Iranian state media denied reports of any missile attack, according to state television.
The dispute follows Monday&#8217;s Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, including Iran&#8217;s Evin prison. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir confirmed casualties in the prison&#8217;s administrative building, stating, &#8220;we had martyrs as well but the number is not yet defined.&#8221; The facility houses political prisoners and foreign nationals, prompting France to accuse Israel of endangering two French citizens, according to the Reuters report.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46067020/trump-declares-israel-iran-ceasefire-now-in-effect-as-china-warns-of-spiraling-escalation-at-un">Trump Declares Israel–Iran Ceasefire &#8216;Now In Effect&#8217; As China Warns Of &#8216;Spiraling Escalation&#8217; At UN</a>
Why It Matters: Markets initially rallied on ceasefire news, with Dow futures jumping 200 points to 43,136. However, energy sectors declined sharply as oil prices fell 12.83% from last week&#8217;s $78.74 peak to $68.63 per barrel. United States Oil Fund LP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) dropped 11.0% while SPDR S&amp;P Oil &amp; Gas Exploration &amp; Production ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOP#NYSE">XOP</a>) fell 5.69%.
The tensions escalated after U.S. B-2 bombers from Northrop Grumman Corp. struck three Iranian nuclear facilities Saturday, targeting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46067020/trump-declares-israel-iran-ceasefire-now-in-effect-as-china-warns-of-spiraling-escalation-at-un">Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan sites in a 36-hour mission</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Global

Israel Says Iran Broke Trump Ceasefire, Orders 'High-Intensity Strikes' On Tehran

BlackRock, in its latest note, highlighted the defense sector as a prime investment opportunity, driven by accelerating geopolitical fragmentation and a global emphasis on national security.
What Happened: The financial giant is sharpening its focus on specific regions and technologies, with a strong preference for the United States.
According to BlackRock, the U.S. stands out due to its substantial defense expenditure, which, as SIPRI data indicates, &#8220;spends more than double on defense than Europe.&#8221;
Furthermore, the U.S. is home to the most sophisticated defense and defense technology firms, serving as a key supplier for critical systems like air and missile defense for many nations.
Within the defense sector, BlackRock highlights significant prospects in defense tech. This broad category encompasses not only artificial intelligence (AI) and software companies but also essential IT services and hardware, such as semiconductors, that power advanced defense capabilities.
The firm anticipates that numerous private defense tech companies could launch initial public offerings (IPOs) in the coming years, offering public market investors new avenues into this expanding theme. Space tech is another area of interest, expected to benefit from intensifying strategic competition.
BlackRock notes that &#8220;growing geopolitical fragmentation and strategic competition in AI are reinforcing the global focus on national security and resilience – creating opportunities in defense.&#8221; This underscores a selective approach to defense investments, where technological superiority and robust national security infrastructure are becoming paramount.
Here&#8217;s a list of some defense and defense tech stocks and global exchange-traded funds that investors could consider.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. Defense Stocks</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palantir Technologies Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)</td>
<td>86.09%</td>
<td>479.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</td>
<td>8.16%</td>
<td>-5.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td>6.76%</td>
<td>16.02%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td>-2.03%</td>
<td>0.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</td>
<td>17.13%</td>
<td>12.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td>25.69%</td>
<td>43.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>46.99%</td>
<td>54.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TransDigm Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>)</td>
<td>17.27%</td>
<td>10.74%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>)</td>
<td>58.53%</td>
<td>123.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>)</td>
<td>31.31%</td>
<td>167.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>)</td>
<td>21.10%</td>
<td>11.36%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Global Defense ETFs</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares US Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>)</td>
<td>26.34%</td>
<td>37.32%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>)</td>
<td>19.61%</td>
<td>32.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>)</td>
<td>21.61%</td>
<td>41.72%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)</td>
<td>56.94%</td>
<td>74.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ARK Space Exploration &amp; Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKX#BATS">ARKX</a>)</td>
<td>15.13%</td>
<td>50.24%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Direxion Daily Aerospace &amp; Defense Bull 3X Shares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFEN#NYSE">DFEN</a>)</td>
<td>75.10%</td>
<td>78.38%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR S&amp;P Kensho Future Security ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FITE#NYSE">FITE</a>)</td>
<td>8.48%</td>
<td>30.78%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/06/46042382/mark-cuban-corrects-elizabeth-warren-as-she-slams-jnj-pfe-for-higher-prices-and-zero-taxes-on-big-ph" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Cuban Corrects Elizabeth Warren As She Slams JNJ, PFE For Higher Prices And Zero Taxes On Big Pharma: ‘PBMs Corrupt Healthcare'</a>
Why It Matters: The futures of the S&amp;P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 indices rose on Tuesday as the investors overlooked a significant surge in Middle East tensions, triggered by Iran's missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, which occurred just 48 hours following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Donald Trump shared a post on Truth Social on Monday, announcing a "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46066239/dow-futures-jump-over-200-points-as-trump-announces-ceasefire-but-iran-says-no-agreement-crude-plunges">Complete and Total CEASEFIRE</a>," at which point, he says, "THE 12 DAY WAR" will be considered "ended." 
However, the Foreign Minister of Iran, Syed Abbas Araghchi, refuted claims of a ceasefire, saying that there was "no agreement" for cessation of military operations, in a post on X.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">As Iran has repeatedly made clear: Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around. As of now, there is NO &quot;agreement&quot; on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no…
&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/1937311435882922420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Price Action: The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, rose on Monday. The SPY was up 0.99% to $600.15, while the QQQ rose 1.03% to $531.65, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Mike Mareen / Shutterstock.com

ARKX

AXON

DFEN

FITE

SHLD

BlackRock Bets Big On Defense Companies Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions: Palantir, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Among Stocks In Focus

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday, writing, &#8220;The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!&#8221; The complete capitalized message at 1:08 AM EST followed his Monday announcement of a &#8220;complete and total ceasefire&#8221; between Israel and Iran.
What Happened: U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46066239/dow-futures-jump-over-200-points-as-trump-announces-ceasefire-but-iran-says-no-agreement-crude-plunges">futures rallied sharply</a> after Monday&#8217;s initial ceasefire declaration. Dow futures jumped over 200 points to 43,136, up 0.55%, while S&amp;P 500 futures gained 0.58% to 6,112.50 and Nasdaq futures climbed 0.88% to 22,256.
Trump&#8217;s latest post reinforces his Monday <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46065102/trump-says-there-is-a-ceasefire-between-isreal-and-iran">statement outlining a phased ceasefire timeline</a>. He said Iran would initiate a 12-hour ceasefire six hours after his announcement, followed by Israel 12 hours later, effectively ending what he termed &#8220;The 12-day war.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="741" height="201" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/24020833/image-344.png" alt="" class="wp-image-959072" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/24020833/image-344.png 741w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/24020833/image-344-300x81.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 741px) 100vw, 741px" /></figure>
Iran&#8217;s Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/06/46066239/dow-futures-jump-over-200-points-as-trump-announces-ceasefire-but-iran-says-no-agreement-crude-plunges">disputed ceasefire claims on X</a>, stating &#8220;there is NO &#8216;agreement&#8217; on any ceasefire.&#8221; However, Araghchi indicated Iran would halt operations if Israel stops its &#8220;illegal aggression&#8221; by 4 AM Tehran time.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/46066069/bitcoin-tops-106000-ethereum-dogecoin-surge-as-trump-announces-iran-israel-ceasefire-analyst-sees-23-6-btc-spike-if-this-happens">Bitcoin Tops $106,000; Ethereum, Dogecoin Surge As Trump Announces Iran-Israel Ceasefire — Analyst Sees 23.6% BTC Spike If This Happens</a>
Why It Matters: The declarations follow escalating tensions after U.S. B-2 bombers struck <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46045651/northrop-grumman-jumps-5-overnight-as-b-2-bombers-return-to-missouri-after-36-hour-iran-strike-trump-says-job-well-done">three Iranian nuclear facilities Saturday</a> in a 36-hour mission. Seven bombers from Northrop Grumman Corp. targeted Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan sites. 
Oil markets reacted dramatically to ceasefire prospects. Brent crude fell 12.83% from last week&#8217;s $78.74 peak to $68.63 per barrel. Energy ETFs declined significantly, with United States Oil Fund LP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) dropping 11.0% and SPDR S&amp;P Oil &amp; Gas Exploration &amp; Production ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOP#NYSE">XOP</a>) falling 5.69%.
China&#8217;s United Nations envoy Fu Cong condemned the strikes at an emergency Security Council meeting, warning of &#8220;spiraling escalation&#8221; in the Middle East. China, Russia and Pakistan proposed a draft resolution <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/46046039/china-slams-us-at-un-over-iran-nuclear-strikes-warns-of-spiraling-escalation-in-middle-east-demands-immediate-ceasefire">demanding immediate ceasefire</a>. 
On Sunday, the State Department <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/travel/25/06/46045416/us-issues-worldwide-caution-after-strikes-on-irans-nuclear-sites-state-department-warns-of-airspace-closures-travel-chaos-and-rising-threats-to-americans-abroad">issued worldwide travel advisories for U.S. citizens</a>, with Ben Gurion Airport closed and assisted departure flights operating from Israel.
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Trump Declares Israel–Iran Ceasefire 'Now In Effect' As China Warns Of 'Spiraling Escalation' At UN

The Strait of Hormuz, accounting for nearly a third of the world&#8217;s oil supply, is once again under geopolitical pressure, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETF investors</a> are rushing to reposition.
Over the past month, the United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) and the United States Brent Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BNO#NYSE">BNO</a>) have spiked 22.25% and 20.26%, respectively. On Saturday, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—and oil prices jumped in response.
Now, energy experts are signaling a possible $100-per-barrel oil situation, particularly if Iran decides to respond by attacking U.S. interests in the Gulf or interfering with global trade through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Bloomberg.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ETFs Riding The Risk Wave</h2>
If tensions further intensify, energy-oriented ETFs may keep rising. Preeminent tickers in consideration are:
USO and BNO – Already surging, they are bellwethers for sentiment on crude.
USO tracks front-month WTI crude oil futures. It is usually the first choice for traders seeking direct exposure to oil price changes. Because of its exposure to front-month futures, USO will be very volatile but also rapidly sensitive to geopolitical shocks such as airstrikes or naval interferences.
BNO reflects Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, and is most applicable when Middle East supply lines are in jeopardy. Brent will spike quicker than WTI in times of global crises, and BNO provides the retail investor with an accessible vehicle to access that.
Invesco DB Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBO#NYSE">DBO</a>) offers futures-based exposure with strong war-time tailwinds. It provides exposure to a longer curve of oil futures, making it less whiplash-prone than USO or BNO. DBO can be a more measured bet for investors who believe the conflict will lead to sustained price appreciation in oil.
SPDR S&amp;P Oil &amp; Gas Exploration &amp; Production ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOP#NYSE">XOP</a>) plays off the supply disruption theme using upstream producers. Instead of following oil itself, XOP puts capital in upstream energy producers, those that drill and explore for oil. As crude moves higher, the margins for these companies widen, making XOP a high-beta bet on the general energy uptrend. It is essentially a leveraged oil play, but without the leverage.
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCG#NYSE">FCG</a>) and United States Natural Gas Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNG#NYSE">UNG</a>)—These ETFs may move if LNG through Hormuz is at risk. If LNG cargo through the Strait of Hormuz becomes disturbed, gas prices, particularly in Europe, may surge. Although these ETFs have not shown a positive reaction yet, they are under watch. FCG also provides equity exposure to U.S.-based natural gas producers, which would profit from Europe panicking for alternative suppliers.
But black gold isn&#8217;t the only one rallying.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defense ETFs On Radar</h2>
As President Donald Trump warned Iran of further strikes unless it abandons its nuclear ambitions, some investors are rotating into defense ETFs amid escalating geopolitical risks.
iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) invests in big-cap defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>), and Raytheon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>). These companies are at the forefront of any U.S. military buildup, either through the sales of hardware, missile defense systems, or support. As tensions rise, ITA is a favorite among investors who take an educated guess at sustained geopolitical uncertainty.
SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) is more diversified than ITA. If defense spending increases and new contracts are awarded under wartime terms, XAR might see wider upside potential. It also performs better during times of high volatility because of its equal-weight approach.
Both these ETFs stand to gain as defense budgets swell and military contractors set up for more long-term involvement.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Geopolitical Wildcards</h2>
Although markets have factored in the initial attacks, doubt over Iran&#8217;s retaliation plan and Trump&#8217;s extended geopolitical strategy are making traders nervous. One wrong shipping lane missile could send oil above $110, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46051051/oil-prices-iran-strait-of-hormuz-risk-us-attack">according to Goldman Sachs</a>, and ignite wider risk-off sentiment across equities.
For ETF traders, the secret is to position, not panic. This could be a good opportunity for tactical maneuvers in energy and defense funds. But in the era of tweet-induced volatility, one thing&#8217;s certain: ETFs are where the battle lines, and profits, are being drawn.
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First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund

How A Strait Of Hormuz Shock Could Ignite A Surge In Energy And Defense ETFs

China&#8217;s permanent representative to the United Nations condemned the United States on Sunday for conducting precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, warning of escalating Middle East tensions during an emergency Security Council meeting.
What Happened: Fu Cong, China&#8217;s UN envoy, said the Saturday strikes on Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites violated international law and Iran&#8217;s sovereignty. &#8220;China strongly condemns the U.S. attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency,&#8221; Fu stated, <a href="https://english.news.cn/20250623/2622712cde5f46e8a8ff0700199c1469/c.html">according</a> to Xinhua News Agency.
The strikes involved seven B-2 Spirit bombers from Northrop Grumman Corp. operating from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, completing the longest bomber mission since 2001. Defense markets responded positively, with Northrop Grumman shares surging 5.28% to $524.00 in overnight <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46045651/northrop-grumman-jumps-5-overnight-as-b-2-bombers-return-to-missouri-after-36-hour-iran-strike-trump-says-job-well-done">trading on extended-hours platforms</a>.
President Donald Trump announced the &#8220;spectacular military success&#8221; via Truth Social, stating the objective was &#8220;destruction of Iran&#8217;s nuclear enrichment capacity.&#8221; The operation utilized Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-buster weapons and involved over 125 U.S. aircraft in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">the 36-hour mission</a>.
Fu warned that the strikes &#8220;exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.&#8221; China, Russia and Pakistan proposed a Security Council draft resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and civilian protection.
&#8220;The parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, should immediately cease fire to prevent a spiraling escalation and to resolutely avoid the spillover of the war,&#8221; Fu said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46045693/fedex-founder-fred-smith-dies-at-80-marine-veteran-wwii-memorial-champion-and-visionary-ceo-mourned-by-satya-nadella-marc-benioff">FedEx Founder Fred Smith Dies At 80: Marine Veteran, WWII Memorial Champion And Visionary CEO Mourned By Satya Nadella, Marc Benioff</a>
Why It Matters: The State Department issued worldwide travel advisories following the strikes, with Iran&#8217;s parliament voting to authorize the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/travel/25/06/46045416/us-issues-worldwide-caution-after-strikes-on-irans-nuclear-sites-state-department-warns-of-airspace-closures-travel-chaos-and-rising-threats-to-americans-abroad">handles 20% of global petroleum transit</a>. 
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Moscow for meetings with President Vladimir Putin, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/travel/25/06/46045416/us-issues-worldwide-caution-after-strikes-on-irans-nuclear-sites-state-department-warns-of-airspace-closures-travel-chaos-and-rising-threats-to-americans-abroad">condemning U.S. actions</a> as crossing &#8220;a very big red line.&#8221;
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. 
Photo courtesy: miss.cabul / Shutterstock.com

China Slams US At UN Over Iran Nuclear Strikes: Warns Of 'Spiraling Escalation' In Middle East, Demands Immediate Ceasefire

B-2 Spirit bombers safely returned to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri following a 36-hour mission that struck <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46043305/donald-trump-announces-spectacular-military-success-as-us-strikes-key-iranian-nuclear-sites">three Iranian nuclear facilities</a>, the White House confirmed Sunday. Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) shares surged 5.28% to $524.00 in overnight trading on Robinhood&#8217;s 24-hour service.
What Happened: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the operation &#8220;historic,&#8221; marking the longest B-2 mission since 2001 and the first operational use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). 
Seven B-2 bombers were launched from the continental United States and struck the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities between 6:40 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. Eastern time Saturday.
&#8220;Our B-2s went in and out of these nuclear sites without the world knowing at all,&#8221; Hegseth said, praising the operation&#8217;s operational security and precision timing.
The mission involved deception tactics, with part of the strike package flying west into the Pacific as a decoy while the main force proceeded east with minimal communications. Each bomber carried two crew members and completed multiple in-flight refuelings during the 18-hour flight to target areas.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">God bless the United States Military — the greatest force for freedom the world has ever known. &#x1f1fa;&#x1f1f8;&#x1f985; <a href="https://t.co/n5zjcsu3o4">pic.twitter.com/n5zjcsu3o4</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1936900911147745735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/travel/25/06/46045416/us-issues-worldwide-caution-after-strikes-on-irans-nuclear-sites-state-department-warns-of-airspace-closures-travel-chaos-and-rising-threats-to-americans-abroad">US Issues Worldwide Caution After Strikes On Iran&#8217;s Nuclear Sites: State Department Warns Of Airspace Closures, Travel Chaos And Rising Threats To Americans Abroad</a>
Why It Matters: More than 125 U.S. aircraft participated, including stealth bombers, fighters, refueling tankers, and a guided missile submarine.
President Donald Trump announced the &#8220;spectacular military success&#8221; via Truth Social Saturday evening, stating the objective was &#8220;destruction of Iran&#8217;s nuclear enrichment capacity.&#8221; The strikes followed Iran&#8217;s withdrawal from scheduled negotiations and refusal to engage in nuclear talks.
&#8220;The great B-2 pilots have just landed, safely, in Missouri. Thank you for a job well done!&#8221; Trump wrote. 
Northrop Grumman is showing strong momentum and a consistent upward price trend across short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes, according to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings. However, the stock scores poorly on valuation metrics. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here to see the full stock breakdown</a>.
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Northrop Grumman Jumps 5% Overnight As B-2 Bombers Return To Missouri After 36-Hour Iran Strike: Trump Says 'Job Well Done'

Israel Defense Forces conducted a significant overnight military operation against Iran, deploying 40 fighter jets that struck dozens of military targets using over 100 munitions, according to official IDF statements. 
What Happened: The strikes targeted critical infrastructure in Tehran and other Iranian regions, marking a major escalation in regional tensions.
The operation specifically targeted an inactive nuclear reactor in Iran&#8217;s Arak region, including its reactor shielding structure essential for plutonium production. The facility, under construction since 1997 but never completed due to international intervention, was originally designed to produce weapons-grade plutonium. 
Iran had deliberately halted conversion efforts that would have prevented weaponization capabilities, using the reactor as leverage against Western powers.
Israeli forces also struck the Natanz nuclear weapons development site, which houses specialized equipment and components that accelerate Iran&#8217;s nuclear weapons program. The IDF stated the strikes were designed to undermine Iran&#8217;s nuclear weapons capabilities permanently.
Additional targets included Iranian military production facilities manufacturing ballistic missile components, air-defense systems, and missile assembly materials. Air defense batteries, missile storage sites, radars, and related military infrastructure were destroyed during the operation.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">תקיפות חיל האוויר הלילה באיראן: 40 מטוסי קרב תקפו עשרות מטרות צבאיות עם יותר מ-100 חימושים צה״ל תקף כור גרעיני שאינו פעיל במרחב אראכ שבאיראן 40 מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו במהלך הלילה, בהכוונה מודיעינית מדויקת של אגף המודיעין, עם יותר מ-100 חימושים, עשרות מטרות צבאיות בטהראן… <a href="https://t.co/llhYbkFXIF">pic.twitter.com/llhYbkFXIF</a>
&mdash; צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1935574764862492767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: U.S. markets responded with cautious trading as investors weighed geopolitical implications. S&amp;P 500 futures declined 0.32% to 6,014.75, while Nasdaq futures dropped 0.48% to 21,840.50. 
President Donald Trump remained noncommittal about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/46010350/as-trump-weighs-options-on-iran-dow-futures-slip-defense-stocks-tick-up-in-after-hours-session">potential U.S. military support for Israel</a>, telling reporters &#8220;I may do it, I may not do it&#8221; when asked about striking Iran. A White House Situation Room meeting addressed the conflict, though details remain classified.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei characterized the strikes as evidence of Israeli weakness, stating that American involvement demonstrates &#8220;that regime&#8217;s weakness and inability.&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The very fact that the Zionist regime's American friends have entered the scene and are saying such things is a sign of that regime's weakness and inability.
&mdash; Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1935367026479960399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Israel Launches Overnight Strikes On Iran, Targeting Nuclear Site, Military Infrastructure With 40 Fighter Jets

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman is advocating for direct U.S. military intervention in Gaza, proposing the deployment of Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) B-2 Spirit bombers equipped with Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs to help Israel conclude its military campaign.
What Happened: Writing on X Wednesday, the Pershing Square Capital Management CEO outlined a comprehensive Middle East peace plan that would position President Donald Trump for a &#8220;Nobel Peace Prize.&#8221; 
&#8220;How about the following? The United States helps Israel finish the job with some B-2s and some GBU-57s,&#8221; Ackman wrote, calling for Israel to end the Gaza conflict in exchange for hostage returns and Saudi-funded reconstruction.
Ackman&#8217;s proposal specifically references advanced U.S. military hardware designed for precision strikes on fortified targets. 
The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator is a precision-guided bunker buster designed to strike deep underground targets. It can be carried by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
The comments <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/45966450/bill-ackman-warns-iran-an-existential-threat-to-america-says-it-is-time-to-finish-the-job">escalate Ackman&#8217;s previous statements</a> calling Iran &#8220;an existential threat to Israel, America and the world.&#8221; Earlier this month, he argued against negotiations with Tehran, stating &#8220;it is time to finish the job&#8221; regarding Iran&#8217;s nuclear program.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">How about the following? The United States helps Israel finish the job with some B-2s and some GBU-57s. Israel ends the Gaza war in exchange for the return of the hostages, a commitment for a new civilian government in Gaza, and reconstruction overseen and funded by the Saudis…
&mdash; Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillAckman/status/1935421336157053172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/46011237/trump-was-confronted-at-g7-by-canadas-indigenous-honor-guard-who-said-he-was-filled-with-rage-but-delivered-a-message-of-peace">Trump Was Confronted At G7 By Canada&#8217;s Indigenous Honor Guard Who Said He Was &#8216;Filled With Rage,&#8217; But Delivered A Message Of &#8216;Peace&#8217;</a>
Defense stocks have shown volatility amid Middle East tensions. After-hours trading Wednesday <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/46010350/as-trump-weighs-options-on-iran-dow-futures-slip-defense-stocks-tick-up-in-after-hours-session">showed gains for major contractors</a>: Northrop Grumman up 0.88%, RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) up 0.60%, and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) up 0.30%. The Global X Defense Tech ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NASDAQ">SHLD</a>) has surged 56.80% year-to-date.
Trump has maintained strategic ambiguity <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/46010350/as-trump-weighs-options-on-iran-dow-futures-slip-defense-stocks-tick-up-in-after-hours-session">regarding potential U.S. involvement</a>, telling reporters Wednesday, &#8220;I may do it, I may not do it&#8221; when asked about striking Iran. The president warned Tehran residents to evacuate &#8220;immediately&#8221; earlier this week, stating &#8220;Iran can not have a nuclear weapon.&#8221;
Ackman&#8217;s vision extends beyond <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45414969/trump-attempts-to-make-good-on-his-proposal-for-a-middle-eastern-riviera-but-in-dubai-jeddah-and-riy">military action to economic transformation</a>. He proposes expanding the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia, predicting &#8220;an economic boom emerges in the Middle East&#8221; with Gaza becoming &#8220;a beautiful place to live and work.&#8221;
The investor&#8217;s peace plan reflects former President Barack Obama&#8216;s 2009 Nobel Peace Prize recognition. 
Both defense contractors, Northrop Grumman and Boeing, show strong momentum but rank poorly on valuation, according to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings. NOC also maintains a positive price trend across short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here to view the full breakdown</a> of BA.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="880" height="632" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19023322/image-296.png" alt="" class="wp-image-954814" style="width:579px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19023322/image-296.png 880w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19023322/image-296-300x215.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19023322/image-296-768x552.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px" /></a></figure>
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/46010921/palantirs-head-of-defense-says-xi-jinping-is-decoupling-from-us-warns-america-risks-losing-leverage-if-china-tech-shift-goes-unchecked">Palantir&#8217;s Head Of Defense Says &#8216;Xi Jinping Is Decoupling From Us&#8217; — Warns America Risks Losing Leverage If China Tech Shift Goes Unchecked</a></li>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Mike Mareen / Shutterstock.com

Bill Ackman Calls For Northrop's B-2 Bombers, Boeing's GBU-57s To Help Israel 'Finish The Job' In Gaza, Pave Way For Trump's 'Nobel Peace Prize'

As tensions continue to flare in the Middle East, U.S. Stock futures inch lower on Wednesday evening, compounded by the Fed&#8217;s decision to hold rates steady, while warning of lower economic growth and persistent inflation.
The&nbsp;S&amp;P 500 Futures are down 0.32%, trading at 6,014.75, followed by Nasdaq Futures at 21,840.50, down 0.48%, and finally Dow Futures, trading at 42,398.00, down 0.27%, at the time of writing this.
This comes amid a Situation Room meeting held in the White House on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. It is still unclear what was discussed during the meeting or who was in attendance, according <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/israel-iran-live-updates-trump-weighs-us-strike-khamenei-rcna213665">to</a> a report by NBC News. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/46009971/trump-cheers-incredible-stablecoin-bill-passed-by-senate-get-it-to-my-desk-asap-no-delays">Trump Cheers &#8216;Incredible&#8217; Stablecoin Bill Passed By Senate: &#8216;Get It To My Desk, ASAP — No Delays&#8217;</a>
Earlier in the day, when asked if the U.S. would strike Iran in support of Israel&#8217;s ongoing campaign, President Donald Trump remained undecided, telling reporters, &#8220;I may do it, I may not do it.&#8221;
Meanwhile, defense stocks and ETFs continue their volatile streak with no clarity just yet on American involvement in this new geopolitical conflict.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stocks</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">After Hours</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.30%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ETFs</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Month-To-Date</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+2.34%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+56.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>)&nbsp;</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.86%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+23.42%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Asian markets opened lower on Thursday, with Japan&#8217;s benchmark Nikkei 225 down 0.74%, trading at 38,598, led by shipping, exports, and electronics companies.
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is up 0.14%, trading at 98.046 against a basket of global currencies, following the Fed&#8217;s decision to keep rates steady in the short term.
Thursday is a market holiday due to Juneteenth. So, no economic events or major corporate earnings calls are scheduled for the day.
Photo Courtesy: Zakharchuk on Shutterstock.com
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/education/25/06/46007465/jamie-dimon-sounds-alarm-on-skills-gap-calls-for-overhaul-of-us-education-system">Jamie Dimon Sounds Alarm On Skills Gap, Calls For Overhaul Of US Education System</a></li>
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Markets

ESLT

KTOS

As Trump Weighs Options On Iran — Dow Futures Slip, Defense Stocks Tick Up In After-Hours Session

Press Releases

Northrop Grumman to Host Virtual Annual Shareholders Meeting

Dividends

Northrop Grumman Increases Quarterly Dividend 12 Percent to $2.31

Northrop Grumman to Participate in Bernstein's 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference

Northrop Grumman Prices $1.0 Billion Debt Offering

Financing

Northrop Grumman Invests $50 Million in Firefly Aerospace to Advance Medium Launch Vehicle Named Eclipse™

The Future of Warfare Is Here: 4 Military Drone Stocks Set to Soar in 2025 (ZENA, KTOS, AVAV, NOC)

The Future of Warfare Is Here: 4 Military Drone Stocks Set to Soar in 2025

Military Drone Market Size Expected to Reach $15.16 Billion In 2030 as Cutting-Edge Innovations Improve Operations

RTX and Northrop Grumman conduct successful rocket motor tests for U.S. Army's Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor

Northrop Grumman Announces Webcast, Conference Call of Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

AVAV

BMV:ZENA

RCAT

ZENA

AeroVironment

Axon Enterprise

Boeing

BWX Technologies

Curtiss-Wright

Leonardo DRS

Embraer

General Dynamics Corporation Common Stock

General Dynamics

GE Aerospace

Heico

Heico Corporation Common Stock

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. Common Stock

Huntington Ingalls Indus

Howmet Aerospace

Karman Holdings

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. - Common Stock

Kratos Defense & Security

L3Harris Technologies

Lockheed Martin

Loar Holdings

Rocket Lab USA

StandardAero

Transdigm Group Incorporated Common Stock

TransDigm Gr

Textron

Woodward

Wells Fargo

RBC Capital

Truist Securities

Susquehanna

Screenshot 2025-05-21 at 5.43.26 PM

SPACE

Emerging Markets

ASTI

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