General Dynamics CorporationWar boosts defense demand; portfolio holds stake.
Six months after the United States and Israel began bombing Iran, the global economy has avoided recession and financial crisis, but the war has raised energy, transportation, and food costs while creating winners in stocks, clean energy, and defense. Stocks initially tumbled, with the Dow and Nasdaq entering corrections, but have since rebounded: the Dow has climbed nearly 19%, the S&P 500 has gained almost 22%, and the Nasdaq has surged 27% since late March. Brent crude rose from about $72 a barrel before the war to nearly $120 before retreating, remaining roughly 20% above its prewar price, prompting airlines to raise fares and cut routes, with Lufthansa cutting 20,000 short-haul flights and Spirit Airlines ceasing operations. The energy shock has accelerated electrification, with EV sales rising 110% in Singapore, 180% in New Zealand, and 300% in Colombia, and the International Energy Agency expects EVs to represent 29% of worldwide vehicle sales in 2026. Fertilizer costs have spiked, with the World Bank's fertilizer index peaking at 44% above prewar levels, deepening hunger risks, as the World Food Programme warns tens of millions could face hunger. Companies linked to President Trump's family have benefited, including Powerus securing an Air Force contract worth up to $90 million, and his portfolio holds stakes in Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman, with oil and gas holdings appreciating by as much as $15.5 million.
General Dynamics CorporationWar boosts defense demand; portfolio holds stake.
Lockheed Martin CorporationWar boosts defense demand; portfolio holds stake.
Northrop Grumman CorporationWar boosts defense demand; portfolio holds stake.
Deutsche Lufthansa AGHigh fuel costs force route cuts and fare hikes.
Secures Air Force contract worth up to $90M.