RTX Option Alert: Sep 19 $130 Puts at the Ask: 1500 vs 1988 OI; Earnings 7/24 Before Open [est] 

RTX Option Alert: Sep 19 $130 Puts at the Ask: 1500 @ $3.69 vs 1988 OI; Earnings 7/24 Before Open [est] Ref=$137.67

RTX (NYSE:RTX) 주식

RTX CORP

Raytheon Technologies

RTX is an aerospace and defense manufacturer formed from the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon, with roughly equal exposure as a supplier to commercial aerospace and to the defense market across three segments: Collins Aerospace, a diversified aerospace supplier; Pratt & Whitney, a commercial and military aircraft engine manufacturer; and Raytheon, a defense prime contractor providing a mix of missiles, missile defense systems, sensors, hardware, and communications technology to the military.

Conceptual,Image,Of,War,Between,Israel,And,Iran,Using,Chess

Equities

BWXT

KTOS

OPXS

&#39;빅쇼트&#39; 투자자 스티브 아이즈먼은 중동 지역의 긴장 고조에 대해 전통적인 통념을 깨는 놀라운 견해를 제시했다.무슨 일 있었나: 수요일(18일) 아이즈먼은 CNBC 스쿼크 박스(Squawk Box)에 출연해 이란 위기가 글로벌 시장과 지정학적 안정성에 대해 실제로 &#34;극히 긍정적&#34;일 수 있다고 언급했다. 

&#39;빅쇼트&#39; 투자자 스티브 아이즈먼 &#34;이란 위기, 시장에는 &#39;극히 긍정적&#39;일 수 있다&#34;

News

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

SHLD

이스라엘 방위군(IDF)은 공식 성명에 따르면 이란을 대상으로 대규모 야간 군사 작전을 수행했으며, 40대의 전투기를 투입해 100발 이상의 탄약을 사용해 수십 개의 군사 목표물을 공격했다.

이스라엘, 40대 전투기로 이란 핵시설과 군사 인프라 표적 야간 공습 실시

Technical,Price,Graph,And,Indicator,,Red,And,Green,Candlestick,Chart

Markets

ESLT

중동 지역의 긴장이 계속 고조되는 가운데, 수요일(18알) 저녁 미국 지수 선물은 연준이 금리동결을 결정하고 경제 성장 둔화와 지속적인 인플레이션에 대해 경고하면서 하락세를 보였다. 

트럼프의 대이란 옵션 검토 속 다우 선물 하락, 방산 주식은 시간외 상승

RTX Corp

Leverage Shares 2X Long RTX Daily ETF

As broader U.S. equity funds suffered their largest weekly outflow of $18.43 billion since March this week, according to LSEG Lipper as cited by Reuters, one corner of the market quietly shined: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">sector ETFs</a>. Despite the risk-off mood driven by intensifying Israel-Iran tensions and uncertainty around U.S. tariffs, investors poured money into focused plays, signaling a tactical rotation rather than a wholesale retreat.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/06/46017365/consumer-spending-slips-but-these-niche-retail-etfs-are-defying-the-downtrend">Consumer Spending Slips, But These Niche Retail ETFs Are Defying The Downtrend</a>
Tech and industrial ETFs were the week's breakout stars, absorbing $1.85 billion and $445 million in inflows, respectively. This marks the fourth straight week of sectoral ETF gains, even as large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap equity funds all bled red ink.
So, where is the &#8220;smart&#8221; money flowing, and why?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sector ETFs To Watch</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Technology ETFs: Betting On Resilience And AI Tailwinds</h3>
Tech continues to draw interest as investors seek exposure to innovation and growth even in uncertain times. The sector&#8217;s relative insulation from geopolitical strife and the ongoing AI boom likely contributed to this surge.
Top Picks:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>): Blue-chip heavy with Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).</li>
<li>Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>): A broader tech play with strong diversification.</li>
<li>ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROBO#NYSE">ROBO</a>): For those leaning into automation and AI trends. Top holdings include Symbotic (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>), Rockwell Automation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROK#NYSE">ROK</a>), and Celestica (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLS#NYSE">CLS</a>).</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Industrial ETFs: Infrastructure And Defense Boost</h3>
Industrials are gaining favor amid expectations of increased infrastructure spending and growing demand for defense and manufacturing equipment, especially in the light of global tensions.
Top Picks:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLI#NYSE">XLI</a>): A solid all-around industrials fund with exposure to companies like Raytheon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) and Honeywell (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>).</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>): A niche option benefiting from the defense sector rally. Top holdings include General Electric (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>) and General Dynamics (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>).</li>
<li>iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IFRA#BATS">IFRA</a>): Capitalizing on the ongoing U.S. infrastructure push with holdings in the likes of Sterling Infrastructure (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STRL#NASDAQ">STRL</a>), Raytheon and Axon Enterprise (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>).</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Financials Falter, But Don't Count Them Out</h3>
While the tech and industrial boats raced ahead on tailwinds, financial ETFs saw $1.22 billion in outflows, suggesting investor unease about profitability under sticky inflation and a "higher for longer" interest rate regime. One can consider keeping an eye on the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>) and the SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>), but only if rate and lending conditions stabilize.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Takeaway</h2>
Investors aren't abandoning the market, they're just getting choosier. With geopolitics and economic uncertainty muddying the waters, sector ETFs are emerging as a tactical safe haven for capital.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/06/46029255/alliancebernsteins-emop-etf-targets-growth-in-emerging-markets">AllianceBernstein&#8217;s EMOP ETF Targets Growth In Emerging Markets</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

ETFs

AAPL

AXON

IFRA

MSFT

NVDA

ROBO

STRL

As US Equity Funds Bleed $18 Billion, Sector ETFs Offer Tactical Opportunities: XLK, XLI, ROBO In Focus

Investor Steve Eisman has a surprising take on the escalating tensions in the Middle East, one that cuts from conventional wisdom during periods of geopolitical conflicts. 
What Happened: On Wednesday, Eisman said the crisis in Iran may actually turn out to be &#8220;extremely positive&#8221; for global markets and geopolitical stability during his appearance on CNBC&#8217;s &#8220;Squawk Box.&#8221;
The investor, best known for shorting collateralized debt obligations in the lead up to the 2008 financial crisis, which inspired the character played by Steve Carell in the 2015 movie &#8220;The Big Short,&#8221; describes Iran as a &#8220;death cult,&#8221; which is now &#8220;very close to getting a nuclear weapon.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/treasuries/25/06/46012056/peter-schiff-predicts-worse-financial-crisis-than-2008-as-fed-holds-rates-the-solution-involves-much-higher-interest-rates-as-years-of-easy-money-trigger-stagflation-and-investor-exodus">Peter Schiff Predicts &#8216;Worse Financial Crisis Than 2008&#8217; As Fed Holds Rates: &#8216;The Solution Involves Much Higher Interest Rates&#8217; As Years of Easy Money Trigger Stagflation And Investor Exodus</a>
Eisman argues that if Iran succeeds in its nuclear quest, it will trigger a regional arms race, with neighbors like Turkey and Saudi Arabia seeking their own deterrents. &#8220;That would have been a disaster,&#8221; he says, adding that getting rid of such a death cult anywhere in the world, &#8220;is a very positive thing.&#8221;
He also states that the markets hadn&#8217;t priced in this risk, but he believes the situation now offers potential upside, referring to the removal of a long-term geopolitical destabilizer that could benefit both the markets and global security.
Why It Matters: Stocks have been relatively unfazed since the beginning of this conflict, with limited impact on the benchmarks thus far. 
Economists, too, have recently stated that the impact on the U.S. economy from this conflict <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45943707/us-economy-to-face-pretty-limited-impact-from-israel-iran-airstrikes-with-only-a-tiny-bit-recession-risk-say-economists">is fairly limited</a>. David Seif, Chief Economist&nbsp;for developed markets at&nbsp;Nomura, said, &#8220;recession&nbsp;risks are higher, but only&nbsp;by a tiny bit.&#8221;
The Chief Economist at&nbsp;Santander U.S. Capital Markets, Stephen Stanley, shared similar sentiments, that &#8220;the fallout to the U.S. is&nbsp;pretty limited.&#8221;
There are, however, several beneficiaries of this conflict, which primarily include defense companies that have been rallying over the past week. 
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Stocks</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>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">20.01</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">59.82</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Optex Systems Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OPXS#NASDAQ">OPXS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">21.37</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">50.87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BWX Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BWXT#NYSE">BWXT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">27.77</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">26.06</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">6.32</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">25.74</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Defense stocks have been rallying over the past month, amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East, and growing speculations regarding American involvement.</figcaption></figure>
Higher energy prices, however, can weigh on the economy, with Warren Patterson, head of commodity strategy at ING, saying that &#8220;Iran is a meaningful oil producer, pumping 3.3 million barrels per day and exporting around 1.7 million,&#8221; and any disruption in this, he says, can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/25/06/45924154/the-120-oil-shock-just-became-a-real-risk-are-we-back-in-2022">push prices to $120</a> per barrel.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="148" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050035/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-2.30.24-PM-1024x148.png" alt="" class="wp-image-954947" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050035/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-2.30.24-PM-1024x148.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050035/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-2.30.24-PM-300x43.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050035/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-2.30.24-PM-768x111.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/19050035/Screenshot-2025-06-19-at-2.30.24-PM.png 1526w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions scores remarkably well, across the board in Benzinga&#8217;s Edge Stock Rankings, with a favorable price trend in the short, medium, and long terms. Click <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">here</a> for finer details on the stock and how it compares with peers and competitors. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&#039;Big Short&#039; trader Steve Eisman: Iran conflict could potentially be &#039;extremely positive&#039; for markets" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OmcvuRRXgE4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Read More: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/06/46012244/obama-warns-america-is-dangerously-close-to-autocracy-calls-for-civic-resistance-im-still-the-hope-guy">Obama Warns America Is &#8216;Dangerously Close&#8217; To Autocracy, Calls For Civic Resistance: &#8216;I&#8217;m Still The Hope Guy&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

'The Big Short' Investor Steve Eisman Says Iran Crisis Could Be 'Extremely Positive' For Markets, Calls Regime A 'Death Cult' Close To Nuclear Weapons

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"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</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>
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;
<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">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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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.
<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">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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</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>
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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>
</ul>
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"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stocks</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">After Hours</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kratos Defense &amp; Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KTOS#NASDAQ">KTOS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.30%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ETFs</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Month-To-Date</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+2.34%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+56.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>)&nbsp;</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+0.86%</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+23.42%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Asian markets opened lower on Thursday, with Japan&#8217;s benchmark Nikkei 225 down 0.74%, trading at 38,598, led by shipping, exports, and electronics companies.
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) is up 0.14%, trading at 98.046 against a basket of global currencies, following the Fed&#8217;s decision to keep rates steady in the short term.
Thursday is a market holiday due to Juneteenth. So, no economic events or major corporate earnings calls are scheduled for the day.
Photo Courtesy: Zakharchuk on Shutterstock.com
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</ul>

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

Defense technology firm Anduril Industries has formed a strategic partnership with German defense giant Rheinmetall to co-develop autonomous air systems and propulsion capabilities for the European market.
What Happened: Anduril Industries and Rheinmetall announced a collaboration to jointly develop three core defense systems for European deployment. 
The partnership focuses on integrating Anduril&#8217;s Barracuda low-cost autonomous air vehicle and Fury high-performance multi-mission aircraft into Rheinmetall&#8217;s digital sovereignty framework called &#8220;Battlesuite.&#8221; The companies will also explore solid rocket motor production for European defense applications using Anduril&#8217;s manufacturing approaches.
&#8220;This is a different model of defense collaboration, one built on shared production, operational relevance, and mutual respect for sovereignty,&#8221; said Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril Industries. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger emphasized the focus on &#8220;autonomous capabilities that are quick to produce, modular, and aligned with NATO&#8217;s evolving requirements.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/06/45990647/trump-financial-disclosures-reveal-barron-trumps-potential-40-million-windfall-from-crypto-project">Trump Financial Disclosures Reveal Barron Trump&#8217;s Potential $40 Million Windfall From Crypto Project</a>
Why It Matters: Last week, Anduril CEO Palmer Luckey confirmed the defense tech firm&#8217;s IPO plans, saying the company must go public to compete for trillion-dollar <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/ipos/25/06/45877601/anduril-ceo-palmer-luckey-confirms-ipo-plans-to-compete-for-trillion-dollar-defense-contracts-we-are-definitely-going-to-be-a-publicly-traded">contracts like the F-35 program</a>.
The collaboration builds on Anduril&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42464770/whats-going-on-with-archer-aviation-stock-today">recent defense partnerships</a>, including its alliance with Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>) for U.S. Department of Defense hybrid aircraft development, with Archer raising $430 million to support the defense program.
The defense sector consolidation reflects a broader shift where tech-focused companies like Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) and Anduril <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42640010/palantir-and-anduril-reportedly-lead-consortium-partner-with-spacex-and-openai-to-compete-against-traditional-defense-contractors-in-850-billion-us-military-market">lead a consortium competing against traditional contractors</a> like Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) for the $850 billion U.S. defense market through AI-powered solutions and rapid innovation approaches.
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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: Tada Images on Shutterstock.com

Tech

ACHR

PLTR

Anduril Partners With Germany's Rheinmetall To Build Smart, Autonomous Air Systems And Rocket Motors For Europe's Defense Amid CEO Palmer Luckey's IPO Push

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang on Tuesday, marking the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the Democratic People&#8217;s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation.
What Happened: Shoigu delivered a verbal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin during the meeting, which focused on immediate cooperation plans and long-term strategic initiatives between the two nations, <a href="http://rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?MTJAMjAyNS0wNi0xOC0wMDlAMTVAMUBAMEAxQA==">according</a> to state media KCNA. 
The discussions included operational support for Russian forces in Ukraine&#8217;s Kursk region, where North Korean troops have been deployed.
The meeting comes as North Korea has emerged as Russia&#8217;s primary military ally in the Ukraine conflict, surpassing China in strategic importance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40894933/kim-jong-uns-north-korea-outranks-china-as-russias-top-ally-in-ukraine-conflict-says-military-intell">according to Ukrainian military intelligence</a>. North Korean forces have provided millions of artillery shells and ballistic missiles to Russian operations.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45988985/israel-says-it-struck-iranian-centrifuge-site-missile-factories-near-tehran-with-over-50-jets-to-disrupt-weapons-program">Israel Says It Struck Iranian Centrifuge Site, Missile Factories Near Tehran With Over 50 Jets To Disrupt Weapons Program</a>
Why It Matters: Kim Jong Un confirmed North Korea&#8217;s continued cooperation within the treaty framework and accepted relevant operational plans discussed during the talks. 
President Donald Trump recently criticized Putin&#8217;s actions in Ukraine, calling the Russian leader &#8220;absolutely crazy&#8221; and signaling potential sanctions escalation. Trump&#8217;s shift toward tougher penalties on Moscow contrasts with his previous diplomatic approach, reflecting growing pressure as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45604616/trump-blasts-putin-as-absolutely-crazy-after-deadly-russian-airstrikes-on-ukraine-signals-possible-shift-toward-tougher-sanctions">ceasefire talks remain stalled</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

Global

Kim Jong Un Meets Russian Security Chief Shoigu In Pyongyang, Confirms Support For Ukraine Operations Under Strategic Pact

Brings total number of GTF engine orders and commitments to more than 12,000

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Surges Past 12,000 GTF Engine Commitments With Demand from Over 90 Global Customers

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.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

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: 
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<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

Wall Street took a sharp and unexpected turn lower by midday Tuesday as geopolitical fears surged following an Axios News report that President Donald Trump will meet with his national security team in the White House Situation Room to decide U.S. policy regarding the escalating war <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/middle-east">between Israel and Iran.</a>
According to <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/17/trump-situation-room-meeting-iran-israel-war">Axios</a>, U.S. officials said Trump is seriously considering direct military intervention, including a potential strike on Iran's underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordow. The situation began unfolding after Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada late Monday and called for Iran's "unconditional surrender" on Tuesday.
Iran swiftly responded by ordering evacuations in Tel Aviv and Haifa, intensifying fears of regional war.
Major U.S. stock indexes fell in midday trading, as investors digested the threat of U.S. involvement in another Middle East conflict.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Fall, Solar Sector Gets Hammered By Senate Bill</h3>
The S&amp;P 500 declined 0.5% to 6,000 points, and the Nasdaq 100 slid by over 130 points, or 0.6%, to 21,800.
Volatility spiked during the session as the CBOE Volatility Index, commonly known as the VIX or Wall Street&#8217;s fear index, surged 7.6%. 
Treasury yields plunged, with 30-year yields down 6 basis points to 4.90%. The dollar rallied reflecting appetite for safe havens. 
Oil price soared 1% to $72.5 a barrel. Sector-wise, energy was the lone area in the green, buoyed by expectations of rising crude prices if the Middle East conflict intensifies. 
In contrast, the consumer discretionary and healthcare sectors led the market's losses, with the latter penalized by fresh advertising restrictions.
Defense contractors rallied sharply as the specter of military conflict lifted expectations for increased government defense spending. RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) advanced 1.2%, Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) climbed 2.9% and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) gained 1.6% by midday.
Meanwhile, a draft version of the Senate's "Big Beautiful Bill" revealed plans to phase out all federal tax credits for solar and wind energy projects by 2028. These incentives were established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The announcement triggered a broad selloff across solar-related stocks. The Invesco Solar ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAN#NYSE">TAN</a>) plunged 9% in midday trading. Among individual names, Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) collapsed 40%, SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEDG#NASDAQ">SEDG</a>) dropped 35%, and Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>) fell 25%. Industry bellwether First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>) lost 18%.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices </td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Chg %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>42,325.26</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,000.66</td>
<td>-0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,809.24</td>
<td>-0.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,108.55</td>
<td>-0.7%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 1:30 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/45978856/federal-reserve-rate-cuts-trump-tariffs-what-to-watch-wednesday">No Rate Cuts Yet, Fed Wants To See Where Tariffs Land: Here&#8217;s What To Watch Wednesday</a></li>
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Government

Large Cap

Regulations

Bonds

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Forex

Econ #s

Economics

ENPH

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SEDG

Wall Street Drops As Trump Weighs Iran Action, Defense Stocks Jump: What's Driving Markets Tuesday?

WIIM

Shares of defense stocks are trading higher amid concerns of Israel-Iran escalation. President Trump denied working on a ceasefire and said everyone should evacuate Tehran.

Trading Ideas

Live On CNBC, Josh Brown Names Axon Enterprise And RTX Corp In Segment Titled "Josh's Sector Spotlight: Aerospace"

Wizz Air Holding (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WZZZY#OTC">WZZZY</a>) is deepening its collaboration with RTX Corp.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) Pratt &amp; Whitney division by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/n45967821/wizz-air-selects-rtx-pratt-whitney-gtf-engines-to-power-up-to-an-additional-177-airbus-a321neo-air" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ordering GTF engines for 177 Airbus</a> A321neo aircraft. The announcement, made at the Paris Air Show, boosts the airline&#8217;s total commitment to 453 GTF-powered aircraft.
The purchase is part of Wizz Air&#8217;s broader fleet expansion and sustainability strategy. It also includes a long-term service agreement under Pratt &amp; Whitney&#8217;s EngineWise program to manage engine maintenance and reliability.
József Váradi, the airline&#8217;s CEO, said the decision supports Wizz Air&#8217;s goal of reaching a 500-jet fleet within the next decade. He cited the engine&#8217;s fuel savings, lower noise levels, and reduced emissions as critical to enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/06/45947802/rtx-scores-major-aviation-and-defense-deals-with-frontier-cebu-pacific-and-dynetics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RTX Scores Major Aviation And Defense Deals With Frontier, Cebu Pacific, And Dynetics</a>
Pratt &amp; Whitney has powered Wizz Air&#8217;s growth since 2003 and currently supports a large share of its Airbus narrow-body fleet. The new aircraft will eventually incorporate the upgraded GTF Advantage engine, offering more thrust and improved performance.
In a separate development, Pratt &amp; Whitney announced the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/n45967520/rtxs-pratt-whitney-adds-itp-aero-to-gtf-mro-network" rel="noreferrer noopener">addition of ITP Aero</a> to its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network. The Madrid-based facility will service PW1500G and PW1900G engines used in the Airbus A220 and Embraer E-Jets E2 families, marking the 21st shop in the global GTF MRO network.
Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero, said the collaboration extends a longstanding partnership in GTF component production and enables faster service turnarounds for European customers.
The expansion highlights RTX&#8217;s continued investment in aviation sustainability and aftermarket services. With over 90,000 engines in operation globally, Pratt &amp; Whitney is scaling its infrastructure to meet the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient flight technologies.
Related ETFs: iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>), SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>).
Price Action: RTX shares were trading higher by 0.61% to $147.63 premarket at last check Tuesday.
Read Next: 
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Photo by T. Schneider via Shutterstock

WZZZY

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Deepens Wizz Air Partnership With New GTF Engine Order

RTX's Unit Pratt & Whitney Says It Added ITP Aero To GTF MRO Network For Airbus A220 And Embraer E2 Engine Maintenance

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Adds ITP Aero To GTF MRO Network For Airbus A220 And Embraer E2 Engine Maintenance

RTX Teams Up With Norway And Kongsberg To Co-Develop GhostEye Radar For NASAMS Air Defense System

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Advances Additive Manufacturing With First 3D Printed Rotating Part For TJ150 Engine

Future flight-testing targets 30% improved fuel efficiency for regional turboprops
PARIS, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada announces a new milestone in the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator project, by testing the integrated propulsion system and batteries to full power. While ground testing of the hybrid-electric propulsion system continues in Longueuil, Quebec, Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada has selected AeroTEC to support future flight testing of the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 experimental aircraft. Pratt &amp; Whitney is an RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) business.
The new end-to-end test marks the first battery-powered operation of the propulsion system, which combines a highly efficient Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada thermal engine with a 1 megawatt (MW) electric motor developed by RTX business, Collins Aerospace. The 200 kilowatt-hour (kWh) batteries, supplied by H55 S.A., have also been successfully charged and discharged using the high-voltage <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4449457-1&amp;h=1885069606&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prattwhitney.com%2Fen%2Fnewsroom%2Fnews%2F2024%2F01%2F22%2Frtxs-pratt-whitney-canada-unveils-mobile-charging-unit-for-hybrid-electric-flight-demonstrator&amp;a=Mobile+Charging+Unit">Mobile Charging Unit</a>&nbsp;co-developed by Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada, the National Research Council of Canada and the Innovative Vehicle Institute.&nbsp;H55 is supported by RTX Ventures, the venture capital arm of RTX.

CORRECTION: Pratt & Whitney Canada Achieves Full-Power Test Of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System For Dash 8-100 Experimental Aircraft

Aerospace and defense giant RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) has announced a series of major deals for its Pratt &amp; Whitney division. The new agreements span commercial aviation and defense, including contracts with Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULCC#NASDAQ">ULCC</a>), Cebu Pacific, and Dynetics.
Frontier Airlines <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/n45944440/frontier-airlines-selects-rtxs-pratt-whitney-gtf-engines-to-power-91-airbus-a321neo-aircraft">announced on Monday</a> that it has selected Pratt &amp; Whitney&#8217;s GTF engines, part of RTX Corp., to power 91 new Airbus A321neo aircraft. 
The announcement, made by Pratt &amp; Whitney, a division of RTX, and Frontier Airlines, also includes a long-term EngineWise Comprehensive service agreement for the maintenance of these engines.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/06/45944828/southwest-airlines-to-equip-entire-boeing-737-fleet-with-honeywells-runway-safety-technology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Airlines To Equip Entire Boeing 737 Fleet With Honeywell&#8217;s Runway Safety Technology</a>
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt &amp; Whitney, expressed his satisfaction with the continued partnership, stating, &#8220;This selection demonstrates the airline&#8217;s confidence in the GTF engine.&#8221; He highlighted the engine&#8217;s fuel efficiency as a key benefit for the single-aisle aircraft market.
The new A321neo aircraft for Frontier will be equipped with the GTF Advantage engine, an advanced version of the GTF engine. The GTF Advantage is designed to offer increased take-off thrust, enhanced fuel efficiency, and longer operational time between maintenance events. This engine is expected to become the standard production model in the coming years.
Separately, Cebu Pacific signed a 12-year <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/n45945216/rtxs-pratt-whitney-and-cebu-pacific-sign-long-term-engine-maintenance-deal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EngineWise maintenance deal</a> with Pratt &amp; Whitney for its GTF engine fleet. The agreement ties maintenance costs to engine use, offering predictable budgeting and operational efficiency as the airline grows.
It covers GTF engines for up to 152 A321neo and 15 A320neo aircraft ordered in 2024. Cebu Pacific CEO Mike Szucs said the engines reduce fuel burn by up to 20%, supporting sustainability and cost savings.
In defense, Pratt &amp; Whitney announced that it has secured a contract with Dynetics, a Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LDOS#NYSE">LDOS</a>) company. Under the agreement, Pratt &amp; Whitney will provide its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/06/n45945433/rtxs-pratt-whitney-to-provide-affordable-mass-propulsion-for-leidos-small-cruise-missile-program">TJ150 turbojet engines</a> to power Dynetics&#8217; Small Cruise Missile, known as the Black Arrow.
Work on the current contract began in April 2025 and is expected to continue through the first quarter of 2026, with an option for follow-on engine orders. 
Related ETFs: U.S. Global Jets ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JETS#NYSE">JETS</a>), iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>).
Price Action: RTX shares are trading higher by 0.90% to $147, and ULCC was up 2.33% at $3.51 premarket at last check Monday.
Read Next: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45944854/irans-missile-stockpile-may-be-shrinking-as-strikes-on-israel-taper-off-says-think-tank-lmt-rtx-gd-in-focus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iran&#8217;s Missile Stockpile May Be Shrinking As Strikes On Israel Taper Off, Says Think Tank: LMT, RTX, GD In Focus</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by T. Schneider via Shutterstock

Contracts

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RTX Scores Major Aviation And Defense Deals With Frontier, Cebu Pacific, And Dynetics

Press Releases

RTX's Pratt & Whitney and Cebu Pacific sign long-term engine maintenance deal

RTX's Pratt & Whitney to provide affordable mass propulsion for Leidos' Small Cruise Missile program

ATR and RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada collaborate on propulsion technology to advance next-generation regional turboprops

RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program achieves full power test milestone for propulsion system and batteries

RTX's Pratt & Whitney tests 3D printed rotating part for its TJ150 engine

RTX, Kongsberg, and Norway showcase GhostEye radar at Paris Air Show

RTX's Pratt & Whitney adds ITP Aero to GTF MRO Network

Wizz Air Selects RTX Pratt & Whitney GTF™ Engines to Power Up to an Additional 177 Airbus A321neo Aircraft

RTX's Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines near 1,100 orders and commitments in 2025

Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada Advance Regional Turboprop Innovation at Paris Air Show

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