Space and Defense Stocks Jump as Trump Pitches $1.5 Trillion Military Budget, Despite Buyback Crackdown
Lockheed Martin rose 7.2% and Northrop Grumman 7.5% in early premarket Thursday after President Trump called for a $1.5 trillion military budget for 2027. The gains followed steep losses Wednesday after Trump ordered a crackdown on dividends and buybacks at underperforming contractors. RTX climbed 4.9% and Kratos Defense 7.1%. Investors await Friday’s U.S. payrolls report and Pentagon guidance on the new rules.