US-Israel Strikes On Iran Send Nasdaq, S&P 500 Futures Lower As Offensive Continues Across The Middle East — LMT, RTX, XOM, USO, BATL On Traders' Radar Today
U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran, including attacks on its nuclear site, have escalated Middle East tensions, causing U.S. stock futures to decline. Defense and oil stocks rose, with Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) gaining. Crude oil prices surged to eight-month highs. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A, BRK-B) shares fell after missing Q4 earnings expectations.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The conflict creates a sharp risk‑on shift for defense and energy equities while broader market futures decline.
Market read
Geopolitical shock drives sector‑specific moves and broad market volatility, offering short‑term trading opportunities.
What to watch
Potential supply‑chain disruptions for non‑energy commodities and impact on emerging‑market currencies.
Background
U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran killed the Supreme Leader and targeted nuclear facilities, prompting futures to fall and defense/oil stocks to surge.
Ticker impact
Lockheed Martin shares jumped 6‑8% in pre‑market trading as defense stocks rallied on the U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran.
Short‑term upside as investors seek exposure to defense contractors.
Immediate price surge driven by conflict‑related demand expectations.
RTX rose 6‑8% pre‑market on the same defense rally triggered by the Middle‑East escalation.
Likely continued strength through the trading day.
Market sentiment is favoring aerospace and defense amid conflict.
Northrop Grumman added to the defense rally, gaining roughly 6‑8% pre‑market.
Potential further gains if conflict persists.
Price move mirrors sector‑wide reaction to war news.
Exxon Mobil shares rose about 5% pre‑market as oil prices spiked on the Strait of Hormuz closure risk.
Short‑term upside tied to oil price trajectory.
Direct link between geopolitical event and crude price surge.
Chevron advanced roughly 5% pre‑market amid the same oil‑price rally.
Likely to hold gains if oil stays elevated.
Oil price shock translates to immediate equity upside.
Battalion Oil shares surged about 85% pre‑market, extending a 33% gain from the prior day.
Volatile; could see rapid pull‑back after initial spike.
Extreme move reflects speculative buying on conflict‑driven oil rally.
Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares fell ~2% pre‑market after Q4 earnings missed expectations.
Potential further downside if earnings concerns dominate.
Fundamental miss drives price despite macro backdrop.
Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares mirrored the ~2% pre‑market decline after the earnings miss.
Likely to track BRK-A performance.
Investor reaction to earnings is consistent across classes.
Market effects
Defense and energy sectors see immediate upside; broader market pressured by geopolitical risk.
Middle‑East tension drives commodity price spikes and regional equity volatility.
Geopolitical escalation influences global risk sentiment, affecting indices worldwide.
Counterpoint
If diplomatic de‑escalation occurs quickly, defense and oil rally may reverse sharply.
Key entities
- CompanyLockheed Martin
Defense contractor gaining 6‑8% pre‑market.
- CompanyExxon Mobil
Energy giant up ~5% on oil price spike.
- CompanyBerkshire Hathaway
Conglomerate down ~2% after earnings miss.
