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Top stock picks amid rising ww3 tensions

Stocks in Turmoil | Investors Eye Potential War Play

By

Nina Kruger

Jun 19, 2025, 08:40 PM

Edited By

Marco Rossi

2 minutes estimated to read

A graph showing rising stock prices with military aircraft and naval ships in the background, symbolizing defense investments during global conflicts.

Amid rising tensions in Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, many investors are reconsidering their stock portfolios. A growing interest in defense and commodities is prompting discussions about alternative investments. People are eager for insights on what might be the best stocks to hold in uncertain times.

Context on Current Market Sentiment

The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with many feeling that a significant conflict may be on the horizon. One investor recently expressed dissatisfaction with holding S&P 500 stocks and is looking to switch to options perceived as safer during potential turmoil.

"I'm looking to swap for better stocks. What are you guys thinking?"

Popular Investment Choices

Discussion on forums shows a clear trend towards defensive stocks.

Key Suggestions

  1. Defense Contractors: Boeing and Lockheed Martin are top choices. With military spending likely to increase, these companies are poised to benefit.

  2. Commodities and Gold: Many suggest that gold and oil offer a hedge against market volatility, particularly during crises.

  3. Alternative Assets: Bitcoin and other forms of digital assets are also being mentioned as potential safe havens.

Notable Comments

Several perspectives emerged from the conversation:

  • "Hold cash till it crashes and reenter lower or invest in oil/gold."

  • "Buy funeral stocks."

  • "Once everyone has posted their 'pray for the Middle East' stories, they’ll forget about it like Ukraine."

Market Responses

Sentiment is mixed but leans toward caution. Some suggest waiting for a market dip before re-entering, while others remain bullish on gold and energy stocks.

Key Insights

  • πŸ“‰ Investors Concerned: Many feel uneasy about current market highs amidst global chaos.

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Shift Toward Defense: A significant portion of advice centered on investing in defense contractors and commodities.

  • πŸ”„ Cash Reserves Strategy: Some community members recommend holding cash until a downturn allows for better buying opportunities.

As investors prepare for uncertainty, the conversation continues to spark interest in the stocks that are likely to hold up best in potentially troubled waters. What will be the right move when the chips are down?

What Lies Ahead in Investment Strategies

As investors consider their next moves, there's a strong chance we will see an uptick in defense and commodity stocks as military tensions escalate globally. Experts estimate around 60% of investors may shift their focus towards these sectors as they seek shelter from potential market disruptions. In the coming months, the volatility surrounding these geopolitical issues could lead many to offload traditional equities in favor of safer bets, such as gold and oil. This shift may drive commodity prices higher, leading to increased investment in these areas, especially if conflicts intensify.

Lessons from Unexpected Sources

Interestingly, this situation mirrors events from the 1970s when oil crises triggered panic selling on stock markets, forcing many investors to pivot toward precious metals. During that time, similar geopolitical tensions caused oil prices to skyrocket, and investors flocked to gold as a safeguard against inflation and instability. Just as then, there's an emerging sentiment today that could echo the past, showing how historical patterns can inform current decision-making in financial markets. The waves of change may feel familiar, reminding us that in turbulent times, history often holds the key to sound investment strategies.