Gold ETF (AAAU) Hits New 52-Week High

The US approved a potential $24.3B sale of 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, including engines and support equipment. The sale, a policy shift, may alter Middle East military balance and test US commitment to Israel's military edge. Saudi Arabia has long sought the advanced jets to modernize its air force and counter regional threats, particularly from Iran.

The US State Department approved a potential $24.3B sale of 48 F-35A fighters and 49 engines to Saudi Arabia, including support equipment and training. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, and RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney are involved. The deal requires congressional review and could face opposition due to security concerns. If finalized, it would make Saudi Arabia the 20th operator of the F-35.

L3Harris Technologies (LHX) secured a $60M contract from the U.S. Air Force for C-HOBS sensors. The order supports production at its Cincinnati facility and adds to the company's record backlog of $42B. LHX's Missile Solutions division, which includes this contract, saw Q2 revenue increase 14% YoY to $1.05B. The stock has fallen 19% since July, with hedge fund ownership dropping 5% in Q2.

The Department of War allocated over $25 million to enhance counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) for U.S. Southern Command. The funds will support interceptors, electronic warfare, and tracking capabilities. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross noted the task force is accelerating C-UAS deployment. Previous awards include $13 million for U.S. Central Command and $500 million contracts for Perennial Autonomy and CACI.

Institutional investors are heavily buying Ford Motor Company (F) stock, with nearly $7 billion in purchases in Q2 2026. Ford is addressing its vehicle quality issues, ranking third in JD Power's 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study. Additionally, Ford's new venture, Ford Energy, aims to provide battery storage systems, potentially generating $500-$600 million in annual operating profits. Ford's stock has seen significant volatility, including a 50% surge in May 2026.

Boeing dismantled a 777-9 jet, deciding rework costs exceeded building a new one. The move highlights risks of delays and regulatory changes for airlines and manufacturers.