These 2 S&P 500 Stocks Are Leading the Market Today — Here’s Why

FomoAnxiety · 2026-03-03T04:35:57+00:00

Northrop Grumman and Palantir saw significant stock gains due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Investors shifted towards defense stocks amid fears of oil supply disruption, benefiting both companies.

FomoAnxiety

2026-03-03 04:35:57

Abstract generation in progress

Northrop Grumman NOC +6.02% ▲ and Palantir PLTR +5.82% ▲ were among the S&P 500’s best performers on Monday, rising about 6% and 5.8%, respectively. The gains came as investors moved into defense-focused names amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Claim 50% Off TipRanks Premium

Unlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions
Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis and maximize your portfolio’s potential

More on the Headline

The rally followed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which sharply escalated the situation. Oil prices jumped after reports said Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had closed the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global crude shipments — and warned that ships attempting to pass could be targeted.

Because a significant share of the world’s oil flows through that waterway, fears of supply disruption lifted energy prices and increased market uncertainty. In response, investors shifted toward defense and national security stocks.

In other news, Northrop Grumman received a $225 million contract update from the U.S. Navy. The deal covers the design and delivery of training systems and course materials for the Navy’s new E-130J aircraft program. The work is part of a broader effort to upgrade the fleet and is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Meanwhile, Palantir also climbed as investors moved into AI firms linked to defense and national security. The company earns a large share of its revenue from the U.S. government and allied agencies, which makes it closely tied to defense and intelligence work. When global tensions rise, demand for data analysis and security tools often increases. That dynamic helped lift Palantir shares as traders bet that higher defense activity could support spending on its software platforms.

Which Stock Is Best to Buy Now?

We use the TipRanks Stock Comparison tool to see how Wall Street analysts are rating Palantir and Northrop Grumman and which company they believe has the stronger upside.

Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.