Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (ARCA: SHLD)

Dernières nouvelles pour Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (ARCA:SHLD)

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The Fund invests at least 80 percent of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes (if any), in the securities of the Global X Defense Tech Index (the Underlying Index), which may include common stocks, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) based on the securities in the Underlying Index. The Fund's 80 percent investment policy is non-fundamental and requires 60 days prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed. The Underlying Index is owned and was developed by Global X Management Company LLC (the Index Provider), an affiliate of the Fund and the Fund's investment adviser (the Adviser). The Underlying Index is administered and calculated by Mirae Asset Global Indices Pvt. Ltd. (the Index Administrator), an affiliate of the Index Provider. The Underlying Index is designed to provide exposure to defense technology (Defense Tech) companies that are positioned to benefit from technology, services, systems and hardware that cater to the defense and military sector. Specifically, the Underlying Index consists of securities issued by Defense Tech Companies, as determined by the Index Administrator.

Lockheed Martin Corp

RTX Corporation

Northrop Grumman Corp

General Dynamics Corp

Bae Systems Plc - Common

Palantir Technologies Inc.

L3harris Technologies, Inc

Huntington Ingal

Rheinmetall Ag

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

Thales Sa

Leonardo Spa

Hanwha Aerospace Co Ltd

Global X Defense Tech ETF

Sears Holdings

Sears Holdings Corporation

Rocket Lab and Kratos aren&#8217;t only sending drones and satellites into space—they&#8217;re putting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">defense ETFs</a> into orbit. While these cutting-edge defense stocks rocket on the coattails of fresh Pentagon policy changes and Trump-era deregulation, investors are flocking to ETFs that combine military might with next-generation innovation. With drone demand through the roof and red tape getting burned, funds like Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>) and SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) are becoming stealth champs in 2025&#8217;s search for returns.
Defense ETFs are no longer simply the unflappable corner of the marketplace that performs well in times of war. In 2025, they&#8217;ve become high-speed vehicles catching the tailwind of advanced technology, military modernization, and now—America&#8217;s drone boom. Drone stocks jumped on Thursday night after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth released sweeping memos to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46356963/drone-stocks-fly-as-defense-secretary-fast-tracks-drone-production-deployment">accelerate domestic drone production</a> and deployment. The memos, shared on X (formerly Twitter), will remove bureaucratic roadblocks and give the military the freedom to quickly embrace what Hegseth described as &#8220;vital&#8221; technologies.
Drone Stocks Get Off the Ground
Investors didn&#8217;t hesitate to respond. Kratos Defense (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>), Red Cat Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCAT#NASDAQ">RCAT</a>), AeroVironment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVAV#NASDAQ">AVAV</a>) and Unusual Machines (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMAC#AMEX">UMAC</a>) surged after hours on Thursday. 
The rally came on the heels of a series of pro-defense, pro-tech executive orders issued in June by President Donald Trump, designed to enhance domestic drone capabilities and counter foreign incursions in U.S. airspace. These policies are speedily reshaping the makeup and appeal of contemporary defense ETFs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46371876/the-tesla-that-flies-archer-is-ready-for-liftoff-on-trumps-defense-boom">The Tesla That Flies? Archer Is Ready For Liftoff On Trump&#8217;s Defense Boom</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Tanks To Tech</h2>
With higher worldwide tensions and a Trump 2.0 platform that aligns with Pentagon growth and deregulated purchases, investors are increasingly using defense ETFs as closet growth plays. The Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>), which aims for pure-play military tech and cybersecurity over old-school aerospace exposure, is heavily invested in Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) and international defense players BAE Systems (OTCPK: BAESF) and Rheinmetall (OTCPK: RNMBF).
Other ETFs, such as the SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>), also take a more diversified tack with equal-weight strategies that target giants such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and leaner disruptors such as Kratos, which also designs unmanned aerial systems.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ETF Rotation Amid Policy And Dispersion</h2>
CFRA Research&#8217;s Aniket Ullal observed in an event by Yahoo Finance last month that policy uncertainty during the Trump era is fueling all-time high market dispersion, and sector-specific ETFs such as iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) and Select STOXX Europe Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EUAD#BATS">EUAD</a>) are becoming top beneficiaries of defense and trade-fueled tailwinds.
Defense and aerospace ETFs have been some of the strongest performers in 2025, said Ullal, adding that when dispersion is high, active ETF strategies and focused thematic exposure, particularly in sectors such as drones and military technology, will outperform.
Meanwhile, European defense exposure is warming up as NATO countries rush to keep up with U.S. defense spending. EUAD, the sole European defense ETF available in the U.S., is 77% higher this year so far on the back of heavy atop positioning in Airbus and Safran.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Stealth Tech Play For Growth Chasers</h2>
Defense ETFs were once seen as &#8220;safe&#8221; or defensive plays, offering stable returns via long-term government contracts. But in today's market, they&#8217;re increasingly about disruption, not just protection.
For weary investors of mega-cap tech prices, defense ETFs exposed to autonomy, AI, and drone systems provide a backdoor entrance into next-generation innovation. As Hegseth dismantles regulatory walls and the Pentagon leans further into automation, these funds are quickly becoming 2025&#8217;s biggest surprise growth play.
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</ul>

Sector ETFs

ETFs

AVAV

BAESF

EUAD

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

KTOS

PLTR

RCAT

RNMBF

SHLD

UMAC

Rocket Lab And Kratos Are Setting Defense ETFs On Fire

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.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46067629/hims-ceo-slams-novo-nordisk-for-anticompetitive-demands-after-ozempic-maker-abruptly-ends-partne?utm_campaign=Watchlist&amp;utm_source=Benzinga&amp;utm_medium=Email">Hims CEO Slams Novo Nordisk For &#8216;Anticompetitive Demands&#8217; After Ozempic Maker Abruptly Ends Partnership: &#8216;We Refuse To Be Strong-Armed&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
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

Equities

ARKX

AXON

DFEN

FITE

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

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;
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/06/46045348/ex-amazon-vp-says-working-for-a-bad-manager-is-worse-than-worrying-about-moving-up-the-career-ladder-one-of-my-biggest-regrets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ex-Amazon VP Says Working For A Bad Manager Is Worse Than Worrying About Moving Up The Career Ladder: ‘One Of My Biggest Regrets…'</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: miss.cabul / Shutterstock.com

News

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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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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>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="880" height="632" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23001211/image-319.png" alt="" class="wp-image-957421" style="width:497px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23001211/image-319.png 880w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23001211/image-319-300x215.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/23001211/image-319-768x552.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px" /></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: Mike Mareen / Shutterstock.com

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.
<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">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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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>
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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Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46011509/bill-ackman-calls-for-northrops-b-2-bombers-boeings-gbu-57s-to-help-israel-finish-the-job-in-gaza-pave-way-for-trumps-nobel-peace-prize">Bill Ackman Calls For Northrop&#8217;s B-2 Bombers, Boeing&#8217;s GBU-57s To Help Israel &#8216;Finish The Job&#8217; In Gaza, Pave Way For Trump&#8217;s &#8216;Nobel Peace Prize&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

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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</figure>
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

Politics

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"> 
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<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>
</ul>

Markets

ESLT

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

The Israel Defense Forces launched coordinated strikes against Iranian nuclear and weapons facilities near Tehran using more than 50 fighter jets, escalating Middle East tensions that have already boosted defense sector equities and oil prices.
What Happened: The IDF confirmed Tuesday it targeted a uranium centrifuge production site in Tehran designed to expand Iran&#8217;s nuclear enrichment capabilities. 
Intelligence Directorate guidance enabled precision strikes on multiple weapons manufacturing facilities producing ground-to-ground and surface-to-air missile components.
&#8220;The Iranian regime enriches uranium intended for nuclear weapons development,&#8221; the IDF stated, emphasizing that civilian nuclear programs don&#8217;t require such enrichment levels. 
The operation specifically targeted raw materials and assembly components for missiles Iran has launched toward Israel.
<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">צה&quot;ל תקף הלילה אתר ייצור צנטריפוגות ומספר אתרי ייצור אמצעי לחימה של המשטר האיראני יותר מ-50 מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר, בהכוונה מודיעינית מדויקת של אגף המודיעין, השלימו בשעות האחרונות סדרת תקיפות של מטרות צבאיות במרחב טהראן. במסגרת המאמץ הנרחב לפגוע בתכנית לפיתוח הנשק הגרעיני… <a href="https://t.co/RNAAvSChgl">pic.twitter.com/RNAAvSChgl</a>
&mdash; צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1935189614563639665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988833/iran-says-whatsapp-a-tool-for-israeli-surveillance-meta-hits-back-calling-it-false-reports">Iran Says WhatsApp A Tool For Israeli Surveillance — Meta Hits Back, Calling It &#8216;False Reports&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Defense contractors rallied in after-hours trading following the strikes. Israel&#8217;s Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>) rose 1.12% after hours, while RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) climbed 0.72%.
The broader defense sector saw after-hours gains, with Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) rising 1.06% and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) up 0.60%. Defense-focused ETFs also advanced, as the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#NYSE">ITA</a>) added 0.38%, while the Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>) gained 0.39%
President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/25/06/45988507/trump-demands-irans-uncoditional-surrender-stock-futures-remain-steady-defense-shares-trade-higher-in-after-hours-trading">dismissed ceasefire speculation</a>, telling reporters aboard Air Force One he seeks &#8220;a real end&#8221; to Iran&#8217;s nuclear program with Tehran abandoning it &#8220;entirely.&#8221; His Truth Social posts called for Iran&#8217;s &#8220;unconditional surrender&#8221; while threatening Iran&#8217;s Supreme Leader.
Read Next: 
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</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

Global

Israel Says It Struck Iranian Centrifuge Site, Missile Factories Near Tehran With Over 50 Jets To Disrupt Weapons Program

U.S. stock futures remain unfazed by President Donald Trump&#8217;s calls for an &#8220;Unconditional Surrender&#8221; by Iran on Tuesday night, as tensions continued to flare in the Middle East.
Starting with the S&amp;P 500 Futures, which trades at 6,045.00, up 0.11%, followed by Nasdaq Futures at 21,986.00, up 0.14%, and Dow Jones Futures up 0.06%, trading at 42,581.00, at the time of writing this.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="408" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212516/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.02-AM-1024x408.png" alt="" class="wp-image-953126" style="width:595px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212516/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.02-AM-1024x408.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212516/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.02-AM-300x119.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212516/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.02-AM-768x306.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212516/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.02-AM.png 1186w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Stock futures are largely flat despite escalating tensions between the United States and Israel versus Iran, amid Trump&#8217;s increasingly fiery rhetoric, stating that the U.S. knows exactly where Iran&#8217;s &#8220;Supreme Leader&#8221; was hiding, and adding that he was an &#8220;easy target,&#8221; in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/45988135/bernie-sanders-slams-israels-illegal-attack-on-iran-says-absolutely-imperative-that-the-united-states-not-be-dragged-into-this-war">Bernie Sanders Slams Israel&#8217;s &#8216;Illegal&#8217; Attack On Iran, Says &#8216;Absolutely Imperative That The United States Not Be Dragged Into This War&#8217;</a>
In a subsequent post, Trump once again did not mince words and called for an &#8220;UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!&#8221; by Iran. This comes just a day after he said that a cease-fire between Israel and Iran was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45968002/trump-says-israel-iran-ceasefire-not-on-the-table-left-g7-early-for-a-much-bigger-reason-spy-qqq">not on the table</a>, and that he was seeking &#8220;a real end&#8221; to Iran&#8217;s nuclear issue.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="208" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212554/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.41-AM-1024x208.png" alt="" class="wp-image-953127" style="width:615px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212554/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.41-AM-1024x208.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212554/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.41-AM-300x61.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212554/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.41-AM-768x156.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17212554/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-6.55.41-AM.png 1184w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Defense stocks and ETFs have continued to rally after hours, as tensions continued to escalate, with California-based Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>), which provides defense engineering and communications solutions, rising 0.60% after hours.
Others, such as Israel&#8217;s Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>) and RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>), have rallied by 1.12%% and 0.60%, respectively, in after-hours trading.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Stock</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">After-Hours</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Month-To-Date</th>
<th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>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">+1.12%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+10.81%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+73.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>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">+0.60%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+17.18%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+63.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>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">+0.60%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+3.96%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+7.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>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">+0.72%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+8.79%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+27.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>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">+1.06%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-0.63%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-0.60%</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">ETF</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">+3.03%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+57.56%</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>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+1.54%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+24.24%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Asian markets opened higher on Wednesday, with Japan&#8217;s Benchmark Nikkei 225 up 0.71% in early morning trade, at 38,808, with companies focused on the domestic market leading the way.
Brent crude oil futures are down 0.04%, trading at 76.40 a barrel, marking a steep 19% ascent since the beginning of this month, after hitting a 52-week low of $58.4 a barrel in early May.
The&nbsp;U.S. Dollar Index&nbsp;(DXY) is holding steady at 98.724, down 0.10%, even as volatilities and geopolitical risks continue to weigh.
Investors on Wednesday will be closely watching the outcome of the FOMC meeting, followed by a press conference by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Investors will also be keenly eyeing the Initial Jobless Claims, Housing Starts, and Building Permit reports during the day.
Photo Courtesy: Gumbariya on Shutterstock.com
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/06/45983526/trump-wants-an-end-not-a-ceasefire-for-the-israel-iran-war-what-that-means-for-etfs">Trump Wants &#8216;An End, Not a Ceasefire&#8217; For The Israel-Iran War: What That Means For ETFs</a></li>
</ul>

Trump Demands Iran's 'Unconditional Surrender' — Stock Futures Remain Steady, Defense Shares Trade Higher In After-Hours Trading

If you&#8217;re an ETF investor who&#8217;s been along for the Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) hype ride, Tuesday was likely a derailment. 
Even after a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45208000/palantir-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-in-line-customer-count-up-39-company-raises-guidance-citing-surging-and-ferocious-growth">blowout first quarter earnings report</a> and a sparkling forecast, the stock plummeted more than 14% after hours and almost 12% on Tuesday morning, taking a few <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">PLTR-heavy ETFs</a> down with it.
The culprit? A valuation that may be pushing even the most elastic of market imaginations.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ETF Fallout: When One Stock Sneezes</h1>
Three ETFs with significant Palantir exposure found themselves nursing bruises after Tuesday&#8217;s swoon:
Roundhill PLTR WeeklyPay ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTW#BATS">PLTW</a>): Meant to surf Palantir&#8217;s waves, this thematic ETF dropped a painful 18% on Tuesday. 
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FPX#NYSE">FPX</a>): Down close to 3%, this ETF took the jolt, too. With Palantir as its top holding with a 10% weightage, even the wider growth exposure couldn&#8217;t soften the blow.
Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>): Also off about 2.1%, even with Palantir included in a strong slate of defense tech plays. The ETF thesis is still intact — defense budgets are rising globally — but valuation concerns outweighed tailwinds, at least for the day.
Tejas Dessai, head of research at Global X ETFs, is bullish on the theme overall, saying that we are &#8220;in the early innings of a generational investment cycle in global defense.&#8221; 
With the U.S. committing $1 trillion annually to defense and geopolitical tensions not so much looking like fireworks, but rather like bonfires, the industry&#8217;s runway appears lengthy, he noted. Palantir is positioned alone in this environment. From battlefield logistics powered by AI to intelligence analysis, it&#8217;s at the nexus of Silicon Valley ingenuity and Pentagon-sized paychecks. That&#8217;s precisely the reason SHLD and its owners are hanging on, even though the ride&#8217;s got turbulence.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Paradox of Powerhouse Performance and Price Panic</h1>
Let&#8217;s get the scorecard straight: Palantir&#8217;s first quarter revenue of $883.86 million beat expectations, rising 39% year-over-year. U.S. commercial revenue surged 71%, customer base grew and the company now projects full-year revenues of as much as $3.90 billion — all while having $5.4 billion in the bank. Not bad for the alleged &#8220;Messi of AI,&#8221; as Wedbush&#8217;s Dan Ives called it.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45213810/palantir-stock-drops-925-after-earnings-beat-dan-ives-stays-bullish-but-jefferies-brent-thill-says-institutions-still-arent-interested">Palantir Is A &#8216;Retail-Driven Story,&#8217; Says Top Analyst As PLTR Stock Falls 9% In After-Hours: &#8216;Not A Single Institutional Investor&#8230;Talks About This&#8217;</a>
But the market wasn&#8217;t having it. Why? Perhaps because the stock is listed at a P/E (TTM) ratio above 560x — a figure that would make even the most optimistic tech bulls wince.
Even with Palantir&#8217;s assurances of positive GAAP operating income each quarter this year, worries that a lot of future growth is already priced in are casting long shadows. As Jefferies&#8217; Brent Thill said, solid fundamentals are one thing, but a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45216263/pltr-stock-falls-9-19-in-premarket-trading-but-this-analyst-remains-bullish-predicts-1-trillion-valuation-in-3-years">65x multiple to revenue is another creature altogether</a>.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Valuation Sky High, but Sector&#8217;s Not Coming Down</h1>
Palantir&#8217;s fundamentals are good, its prospects are bright, and its contribution to AI and defense cannot be replicated — but the price is where the market throws up its hands. ETFs such as PLTW, FPX and SHLD, with their various degrees of Palantir exposure, provide a means to bet on the tale — just don&#8217;t anticipate them being resistant to sentiment shocks.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/05/45211160/voo-vs-spy-21-billion-april-surge-puts-voo-ahead-in-the-sp-500-etf-showdown">VOO Vs SPY: $21 Billion April Surge Puts VOO Ahead In The S&amp;P 500 ETF Showdown</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Specialty ETFs

Movers

Trading Ideas

Roundhill ETF Trust Roundhill PLTR WeeklyPay ETF

PLTW

PLTR-Focused ETFs Down: What's Really Behind Palantir's Plunge? The Numbers Don't Tell The Full Story

Investor interest in global defense stocks has surged following President Donald Trump&#8216;s decision to temporarily suspend U.S. military aid to Ukraine. As tensions continue to rise, defense companies may witness increased demand for their products and services in the geopolitical landscape.
What Happened: This development occurs amid ongoing support for Ukraine from European leaders, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledging a £2.26 billion loan for military supplies.
Meanwhile, Trump aims to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44101854/trump-reportedly-halts-ukraine-military-aid-pressures-zelenskyy-to-seek-peace-with-russia-amid-growing-rift">pressure</a> Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy into peace negotiations with Russia. According to the White House, the freeze will remain in place until Trump determines that Ukraine has made a meaningful effort toward diplomatic talks with Moscow.
As the aid remains frozen, defense stocks from around the world come to fore amid the conflicts. Here is a list of global defense exchange-traded funds which investors could consider in order to participate in the upside.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<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>3.10%</td>
<td>16.00%</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>-0.71%</td>
<td>15.24%</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>-3.21%</td>
<td>14.89%</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>22.01%</td>
<td>43.29%</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>-3.91%</td>
<td>27.01%</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>5.95%</td>
<td>15.35%</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>-4.36%</td>
<td>13.38%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44135699/big-tech-slide-an-opportunity-to-buy-amid-selloff-analyst-highlights-bigger-fundamental-concerns-amid-the-possibility-of-technical-bounce-back">Big Tech Slide An Opportunity To Buy Amid Selloff? Analyst Highlights Bigger Fundamental Concerns Amid The Possibility Of Technical Bounce Back</a>
Why It Matters: Following a contentious argument in the White House, Trump blasted the Ukrainian leader's claim that peace remains "very, very far away," calling it "the worst statement" and warning, "America will not put up with it for much longer!&#8221; in a Truth Social post.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="894" height="466" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen.png" alt="" class="wp-image-809935" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen.png 894w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen-300x156.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/05063630/Trump-Truth-Social-Post-On-Zelen-768x400.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px" /></figure>
A White House official, speaking anonymously <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-a15a459c9a3a393d040478ebbe250a9e">to</a> the Associated Press, characterized the move as a strategic &#8220;pause and review&#8221; of assistance. The official emphasized that the administration wants to ensure aid is &#8220;contributing to a solution&#8221; rather than prolonging the conflict.
Meanwhile, here is a list of some U.S. defense stocks to watch.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U.S. Defense Stocks</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>)</td>
<td>-3.91%</td>
<td>-8.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td>-0.89%</td>
<td>1.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td>-6.93%</td>
<td>3.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>)</td>
<td>-7.55%</td>
<td>-21.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td>10.94%</td>
<td>42.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>)</td>
<td>17.90%</td>
<td>57.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TransDigm Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>)</td>
<td>7.63%</td>
<td>16.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>)</td>
<td>14.65%</td>
<td>86.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>)</td>
<td>-11.44%</td>
<td>67.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>)</td>
<td>-0.14%</td>
<td>-3.16%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</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 in premarket on Wednesday. SPY rose 0.60% to $580.30 and QQQ was up 0.70% to $499.04, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
On Tuesday, the SPY declined 1.18% to $576.86, and the QQQ dropped 0.30% to $495.55.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44135177/trump-seeks-to-end-chips-act-who-stands-to-lose-heres-a-list-of-beneficiaries-that-could-be-affected">Trump Seeks To End CHIPS Act: Who Stands To Lose? Here&#8217;s A List Of Beneficiaries That Could Be Affected</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Government

Market Summary

Defense Stocks In Focus As Trump Freezes Ukraine Military Aid: Here's A List Of Top Global Defense ETFs To Watch

Officials from the United States and Russia held peace talks on Tuesday without the presence of Ukrainian<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/25/02/43776075/us-stocks-likely-to-open-higher-amid-ukraine-peace-talk-hopes-as-russian-american-officials-meet"> or European officials.&nbsp;</a>
The Details: U.S. officials led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian officials led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia to begin discussions to end the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;
The talks between the groups are also intended as "trust-building" and could lay the groundwork for a future meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his country would not accept a peace deal negotiated without Ukrainian involvement, though Trump has vowed that Ukraine will be involved in the process.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43703014/robert-f-kennedy-confirmed-as-trump-secretary-of-health">Robert F. Kennedy, Vaccine Skeptic, Confirmed As Trump&#8217;s Secretary Of Health: Health Care Stocks To Watch</a>
There were no European representatives present at Tuesday's talks. However, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/1924c2b3-4d14-46d6-84d1-b47073b6f55b">according </a>to the Financial Times, the U.S. State Department sent written requests last week asking European governments to outline their potential contributions to a peace deal—ranging from weaponry to peacekeeping forces and security arrangements for Ukraine.
Expert Ideas: Experts are predicting increased defense spending after French President Emmanuel Macron invited European leaders to a security summit on Monday, ahead of Tuesday's talks between Russia and the U.S.&nbsp;
"The emergency defense summit in Paris on Monday on the eve of negotiations over the war in Ukraine strongly implies that a large increase in defense spending among European Union nations is coming,"&nbsp; said Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM.&nbsp;
Bloomberg reported that defense spending could increase by as much as $3.1 trillion over the next ten years, Brusuelas noted. Stocks in the defense sector are reacting positively to the latest geopolitical developments. 
Stocks To Watch: Shares of RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), the largest defense contractor in the U.S., are climbing Tuesday as investors anticipate potential orders and contracts related to increased spending from European nations.&nbsp;
Investors can monitor the broader defense sector through the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) which tracks the Dow Jones US Select Aerospace &amp; Defense Index and the Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>), which offers exposure to both developed and emerging market companies in the defense technology sector.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43732115/explosion-rocks-chernobyl-nuclear-site-as-zelenskyy-signals-readiness-for-peace-talks">Explosion Rocks Chernobyl Nuclear Site As Zelenskyy Signals Readiness For Peace Talks</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

US, Russian Officials Begin Ukraine Peace Talks: Defense Sector Stocks Rise

Market volatility has intensified investors&#8217; focus on risk-adjusted strategies, with ETFs emerging as a key way to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">gain exposure to high-growth stocks</a> without the &#8220;single-stock risk&#8221; string attached. 
Amid the back-to-back market developments, Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) is making waves with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43449486/palantir-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-us-revenue-up-52-customer-count-up-43-strong-guidance-this-is-a-new-phase-unlike-anything-that-has-come-before">strong Q4 results</a> where it crushed analyst expectations.
For investors seeking exposure to Palantir without direct stock ownership, these are four ETFs to keep an eye on:
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/02/43463909/palantir-stock-is-surging-tuesday-whats-going-on">Palantir Stock Is Surging Tuesday: What&#8217;s Going On?</a>
<ul>
<li>REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIPI#NASDAQ">AIPI</a>): In this ETF, Palantir holds the biggest piece of the pie, with 10.77% claim on the total assets. Expense ratio is 0.65%. The ETF inched up 0.4% on Feb. 4, 12.27 p.m. ET.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>): Palantir consistently ranks among ARKK's top 10 holdings, reflecting Cathie Wood's strong conviction in its AI and data-driven capabilities. As of today, Palantir accounts for approximately 5.43% of ARKK's portfolio. The expense ratio is 0.75%. The ETF is currently trading relatively flat.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>): The ETF, with an expense ratio of 0.5%, reserves about 10% of its assets for Palantir. The ETF has returned 35% in the past year. The ETF rose 2.27% as of writing on Feb. 4.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FPX#NYSE">FPX</a>): Though this fund tracks newly public companies, Palantir has remained a top component despite trading on the market since 2020. Palantir, with its 1000+% growth since its IPO, is a success story on its own, and this ETF capitalizes on that. FPX has around 7.05% allocation to the company stock, appealing to investors targeting high-growth IPOs. The expense ratio is 0.59%. The ETF climbed 1.05% as of writing on Feb. 4.</li>
</ul>
These ETFs allow investors to benefit from Palantir's growth graph while spreading risk across multiple high-tech stocks.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Palantir Is A Stock To Watch</h3>
Palantir soared after issuing a 2025 revenue forecast of $3.75 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of $3.54 billion. CEO Alex Karp attributed the bullish outlook to &#8220;untamed organic growth&#8221; in AI demand. The company also projected $1.56 billion in adjusted operating income, beating estimates of $1.37 billion.
In Q4 2024, revenue jumped 36% to $827.5 million, exceeding forecasts of $775.9 million, while profit (excluding certain items) hit 14 cents per share, topping estimates of 11 cents.
Fueled by AI momentum, Palantir's stock surged 340% in 2024. After markets opened Tuesday, shares spiked 27% to a record $106.76, marking their biggest intraday gain in a year, according to Bloomberg.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/25/02/43468406/treasury-etfs-in-focus-as-trumps-tariffs-feds-rate-decision-shake-bond-markets">Treasury ETFs In Focus As Trump&#8217;s Tariffs, Fed&#8217;s Rate Decision Shake Bond Markets</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

AIPI

ARKK

Palantir Focused ETFs Spark Investor Interest: Here's Why

RBC Capital Markets analyst Ken Herbert cut the price forecast for General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) to $280 from $290, while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GD/analyst-ratings">reiterating an Sector Perform rating</a>.
On Wednesday, the company reported revenue growth of 14.3% year over year to $13.338 billion, beating the consensus of $12.77 billion and EPS of $4.15 (up 14% <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43305515/general-dynamics-beats-q4-expectations-with-144-billion-contract-backlog">Y/Y), above the consensus of $4.10</a>.
In its conference call, the company said it expects a 2025 effective tax rate of 17.5%. The CEO said Gulfstream deliveries will be around 150 aircraft in 2025.
Also, the company expects 2025 total revenue of $50.3 billion and company-wide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPS to be around $14.80.</a>
The analyst writes that he remains optimistic about the 2025 Gulfstream outlook, however, muted free cash flow and limited margin expansion in defense, coupled with heightened uncertainty in the sector, remains a matter of concern.
In particular, Herbert recognized the execution challenges at Gulfstream but acknowledge the strong business jet demand, reflected in a 1x book-to-bill ratio for fourth-quarter 2024.
Following the company's revised 2025 guidance, the analyst now projects 150 deliveries in 2025 and 160 in 2026.
Additionally, aircraft services could offer upside potential with low double-digit growth, adds the analyst.
Apart from this, the analyst says that the submarine supply chain continues to face significant constraints, leading to persistent margin underperformance.
While revenue growth remains strong, Herbert remain cautious about the pace of margin improvement.
For 2026, the analyst expects overall defense portfolio margins to remain flat at approximately 9.5%, consistent with 2024 levels.
Also, the analyst believes that Trump 2.0 can pose greater risk for the GD defense portfolio outside of Marine.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)and&nbsp;First Trust Exchange-Traded Fund First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>).
Price Action: GDS shares are up 1.54% at $255.31 at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43232316/deepseek-jitters-shatter-us-tech-stocks-wipe-out-12-trillion-on-wall-street-analyst-eyes-four-chinese-giants-set-to-benefit"></a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43232316/deepseek-jitters-shatter-us-tech-stocks-wipe-out-12-trillion-on-wall-street-analyst-eyes-four-chinese-giants-set-to-benefit">DeepSeek Jitters Shatter US Tech Stocks, Wipe Out $1.2 Trillion On Wall Street: Analyst Eyes Four Chinese Giants Set To Benefit</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

MISL

General Dynamics' Growth Vs. Uncertainty: Analyst Flags Margin Challenges And Policy Risks

Defense <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/43013312/defense-stocks-fall-on-gaza-ceasefire-while-broader-market-rallies-whats-going-on">stocks dipped on Wednesday</a> following reports of a verbal ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, taking several related ETFs along.
ETFs like SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>), iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>), and Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>) were slightly down as the defense sector lost its appeal to investors.
Nonetheless, the pullback was short-lived, as all three ETFs opened higher and retained momentum on Thursday. Moreover, neither the dip nor the rally was sharp. There can be many possibilities behind this. For starters, the fundamental strength of defense stocks are undeniable. 
Secondly, the market might still be taking time to process that a war of such scale can end so abruptly. Thirdly, another major longstanding war that also draws resources from the U.S. is ongoing between Russia and Ukraine. Thus, despite a short-term withdrawal of a few investors from defense ETFs, the longer-term story seems constructive.
Moreover, the ceasefire agreement does not mean that contracts will stop coming for defense companies. Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>), one of the largest holdings of all the aforementioned ETFs, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43034421/whats-going-on-with-rtx-corporation-stock-today">announced a $529 million contract</a> to supply a Patriot air&nbsp;and missile defense system to the Netherlands. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43031336/raytheon-takes-flight-while-boeing-need-more-than-hype-analyst">Raytheon Takes Flight, Boeing Needs More Than Hype: Analyst</a>
The SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF&#8217;s exposure to commercial aerospace alongside defense provides some insulation against geopolitical shifts. 
Meanwhile, Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF&#8217;s beta of 0.4% means it is less reactive to market volatility.
The War Effect On Defense Stocks
Historically, periods of conflict have been a boon for defense stocks. The Middle East war saw heightened government spending on military contracts, propelling the Global X Defense Tech ETF to a 35% gain over the past year, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>. 
Companies in this sector see increased demand during conflicts due to the surge in need for defense systems, technology and equipment.
While the ceasefire signals a de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, defense stocks and ETFs are unlikely to lose their long-term optimism. Geopolitical risks remain a persistent concern, and governments worldwide continue to prioritize defense budgets.
Long-term defense investors are likely to restock on defense ETFs at discounted valuations, taking advantage of the uncertainty. Also, integration of advanced technologies like AI and cybersecurity in defense systems are bound to push demand higher.
See Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43039348/are-utilities-the-new-tech-why-entergy-nisource-vistra-are-jpmorgans-top-picks-for-">Are Utilities The New Tech? Why Entergy, NiSource, Vistra Are JPMorgan's Top Picks For 2025</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Defense ETFs Stabilize After Ceasefire Reports: Why 3 ETFs Have Long-Term Potential

Defense stocks are moving slightly lower Wednesday after Israel and Hamas verbally agreed on a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43011383/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-exchange">ceasefire in Gaza</a>.
What Happened: Hamas accepted a draft agreement on Wednesday for a ceasefire in Gaza that includes the release of several hostages, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43011383/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-exchange">multiple reports</a>. 
The agreement follows months of negotiations and paves the way for a potential end to the ongoing war in the Middle East that began about 15 months ago. The verbal agreement also comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s inauguration. 
&#8220;We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!&#8221; Trump&nbsp;said in a post on Truth Social.
The deal reportedly includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israel still needs to ratify the deal, but a vote is expected by Thursday. 
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43011383/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-exchange">Israel, Hamas Agree To Cease-Fire Deal With Hostage Exchange: What You Need To Know</a>
Defense stocks including 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>) moved lower as the ceasefire reports surfaced despite a strong session from broader indices. The Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>) and the SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) also pulled back from highs on the news. 
At the time of writing, Lockheed Martin shares were down about 0.7%, while Northrop Grumman and RTX shares were down about 0.8%. It&#8217;s worth noting that the SPDR S&amp;P 500 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was up 1.77% at last check.
Defense stocks have benefitted from the ongoing war in the Middle East with the Global X Funds Defense ETF having gained more than 35% over the past year, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>. Defense stocks tend to rally in periods of elevated conflict given their heavy reliance on government contracts. 
Energy stocks including BP P.L.C (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>), Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) also pulled back slightly on the ceasefire news, but bounced back pretty quickly. 
The United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) hit new 52-week highs on Wednesday on continued momentum from last week after the U.S. announced its most extensive sanctions on Russian oil exports to date.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42948649/goldman-sachs-warns-of-90-oil-risk-trump-may-not-ease-sanctions-once-he-takes-office">Oil Could Hit $90, Goldman Sachs Says: &#8216;Trump May Not Ease Sanctions&#8217; On Russia</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

Defense Stocks Fall On Gaza Ceasefire While Broader Market Rallies: What's Going On?

On Monday, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) revealed the launch of the seventh Lockheed Martin-designed and built Global Positioning System (GPS) III satellite, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/n42522602/seventh-lockheed-martin-built-gps-iii-satellite-launches-supporting-next-gen-constellation-moderni" rel="noreferrer noopener">GPS III SV07, at 7:52 p.m. ET</a>.
The GPS III SV07 spacecraft, built at Lockheed Martin&#8217;s Littleton, Colorado, facility, was transported by ground to its Florida launch site after its usual military aircraft was reassigned for hurricane relief efforts.
The satellite was launched into orbit 12,550 miles above Earth from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Carefully planning the 2,337-mile route and tracking Hurricane Milton, the spacecraft completed a six-day journey, avoiding severe weather and arriving for final launch preparations.
The team has successfully completed signal acquisition of GPS III SV07, and the spacecraft is now under operational control at Lockheed Martin&#8217;s Denver Launch &amp; Checkout Operations Center until it is officially accepted into the current 31-satellite operational GPS constellation.
Launched on an accelerated timeline, GPS III SV07 joins the Space Force&#8217;s efforts to modernize the GPS constellation, following the launch of GPS III SV06 in 2023.
Malik Musawwir, vice president of Navigation Systems at Lockheed Martin said, &#8220;We supported our customer&#8217;s vision for an accelerated launch of this GPS satellite, ultimately helping them achieve quick-turn operational readiness.&#8221;
&#8220;Time is of the essence for national security missions, and we quickly delivered this critical capability for the Space Force to support rapid demand for secure, advanced positioning, navigation, and timing signals.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) and Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>).
Price Action: LMT shares are down 0.38% at $489.79 premarket at the last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42500980/palantir-surges-over-3-in-overnight-trading-after-army-navy-game-spotlight-elon-musk-and-trumps-presence-and-nasdaq-100-inclusion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palantir Surges Over 3% In Overnight Trading After Army-Navy Game Spotlight, Elon Musk And Trump&#8217;s Presence, And Nasdaq 100 Inclusion</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Mission Accomplished: Lockheed Martin's GPS III SV07 Successfully Deployed

RTX Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) disclosed the successful live-firing of its High-Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) with the British Army, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/n42430737/rtxs-raytheon-high-energy-laser-weapon-system-fired-by-british-army-for-first-time" rel="noreferrer noopener">effectively targeting moving aerial threats</a>.
This experiment marks the British Army&#8217;s first test of a high-energy laser weapon mounted on an armored vehicle, with soldiers trained on the weapon&#8217;s targeting and tracking technologies.
Raytheon&#8217;s HELWS is the first laser weapon integrated and fired from a land vehicle in the UK, part of a collaborative program between Raytheon UK and Team Hersa, the joint LDEW initiative involving Defence and Science Laboratory and Defence Equipment and Support.
The trial, held at a military range in Wales, marked the latest phase of the U.K. Ministry of Defence&#8217;s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) demonstrator program.
&#8220;Our High-Energy Laser Weapon System has been used in operations globally, and now the British Army is experimenting with this game-changing capability,&#8221; said&nbsp;James Gray, chief executive and managing director of Raytheon UK.
Matt Cork, Head of Team Hersa, added, &#8220;By integrating advanced directed energy technologies onto armoured platforms, we&#8217;re not only proving the feasibility of these game-changing systems but also accelerating their path to operational readiness. It&#8217;s an exciting step forward in redefining the future of defence capability.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) and Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>).
Price Action: RTX shares are down 0.18% at $117.40 at the last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42382786/morgan-stanley-narrows-down-winning-and-losing-bets-in-the-first-100-days-of-trump-administration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morgan Stanley Narrows Down Winning And Losing Bets In The First 100 Days Of Trump Administration</a></li>
</ul>

Contracts

Raytheon's High-Energy Laser Weapon System Tested With British Army: Details

Palantir Technologies Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) has experienced a remarkable rise, achieving a 298.37% year-to-date return as of Thursday morning. This surge has sparked interest in ETFs with significant exposure to Palantir.
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, the&nbsp;Global X Defense Tech ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>) holds 7.82% of its portfolio in Palantir stock, amounting to&nbsp;$51.85 million across 1.24 million&nbsp;shares. SHLD, which combines Palantir&#8217;s defense and intelligence sector presence with other aerospace and defense players, has seen a 40.86% YTD return.
Meanwhile,&nbsp;ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>)&nbsp;has allocated nearly 5% of&nbsp;its portfolio to Palantir, with over $273 million invested in 6.53 million shares. Known for backing high-growth companies, ARKK boasts over $6 billion in assets under management and has achieved a 13.17% YTD return.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42159139/microstrategy-shares-rise-in-monday-pre-market-as-michael-saylor-reveals-mstr-generating-500m-daily-amid-bitcoins-surge?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MicroStrategy Shares Rise In Monday Pre-Market As Michael Saylor Reveals MSTR Generating $500M Daily Amid Bitcoin&#8217;s Surge (UPDATED)</a>
On the other hand, the&nbsp;REX AI Equity Premium Income&nbsp;ETF&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIPI#NASDAQ">AIPI</a>) holds 9.46% exposure to Palantir, translating to a $9.24 million position. However,&nbsp;its YTD returns have declined&nbsp;by 0.61%. AIPI&#8217;s strategy involves selling out-of-the-money covered call options, which can generate income but may limit capital appreciation.
At the time of writing, Palantir&#8217;s stock was up by 0.23%. The three most recent analyst ratings for Palantir. were issued by BofA Securities, Wedbush, and Goldman Sachs on Nov. 25 and Nov, 7, with an average price target of $63.67 from these firms.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PLTR/analyst-ratings"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/28083739/Screenshot-2024-11-28-at-7.07.26%E2%80%AFPM-1024x390.png" alt="" class="wp-image-669123" /></a></figure>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42206614/polygons-pol-token-outshines-bitcoin-ethereum-in-30-day-gains-top-analyst-anticipates-no-major-selling-pressure-in-days-ahead?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crypto&#8217;s Next Mega-Rocket? Analyst Forecasts Insane 2725%-6600% Surge For This Coin</a></li>
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Flickr

General

Palantir's YTD Returns Surge 298%: Here's How ETFs With Exposure To Alex Karp's Company Have Performed

Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) is making a big move from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42014351/palantir-prepares-nasdaq-move-could-nasdaq-100-be-next">NYSE to the Nasdaq</a> Global Select Market, effective Nov. 26.
Could this be a step toward a future inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 Index?
Investors are now watching the stock's exposure in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), especially as its visibility and market value rise with potential inclusion in the Nasdaq-100.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42094248/trumps-return-boosts-palantir-national-security-bets-drive-140-billion-market-cap">Palantir Tech&#8217;s $140 Billion Market Cap Gain Is Driven By Trump&#8217;s Victory And Higher Defense Spending Hope &#8211; Is The Stock Overvalued?</a>
Here are three ETFs with solid exposure to PLTR stock. We&#8217;ve picked those that could provide a balance of decent exposure and good liquidity for investors to consider.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIPI#NASDAQ">AIPI</a>)</h2>
The AIPI portfolio has 9.46% exposure to PLTR stock, translating into a $9.24 million position in Palantir. This ETF focuses on robotics and AI, which aligns well with Palantir's tech-driven solutions. 
With its hefty exposure, AIPI offers investors a strong bet on Palantir's growth potential. The ETF&#8217;s $25.38 AUM (assets under management) ensures decent liquidity.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)</h2>
The SHLD portfolio has 7.82% exposure to PLTR stock &#8211; a solid amount for investors looking for a diversified defense tech ETF. The ETF holds $51.85 million across 1.24 million shares of Palantir. SHLD combines Palantir's presence in defense and intelligence sectors with other key players in aerospace and defense. 
With $430.87 million in AUM, this fund is well-positioned for liquidity while giving investors a reliable chunk of Palantir stock.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#NYSE">ARKK</a>)</h2>
Palantir also makes its mark in the ARKK, which has allocated nearly 5% of its portfolio to PLTR stock. With over $273 million across 6.53 million invested in Palantir shares, ARKK is a heavy hitter in the innovation space and is known for backing high-growth companies. The fund has over $6 billion in AUM, ensuring liquidity of investment.
Its exposure to Palantir fits neatly into its tech-focused portfolio, while the ETF's scale and liquidity ensure it remains a viable option for investors looking to tap into Palantir's future potential.
As Palantir moves closer to a Nasdaq listing and the possibility of joining the Nasdaq-100, these ETFs offer investors an opportunity to gain exposure to the company. 
With decent PLTR stock exposure and strong liquidity, these funds could be a smart choice for those looking to ride Palantir's potential growth.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/11/42058235/palantir-board-member-in-a-deleted-x-post-said-nasdaq-move-will-force-billions-in-etf-buying-and-deliver-tendies-heres-what-this-meme-stock-term-means">Palantir Board Member In A Deleted X Post Said Nasdaq Move Will &#8216;Force Billions In ETF Buying And Deliver Tendies&#8217;: Here&#8217;s What This Meme-Stock Term Means</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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