New York, Jan 12, 2026, 13:40 EST — Regular session
Lockheed Martin Corp shares climbed $2.70, roughly 0.5%, to $545.62 on Monday, tracking gains across major defense contractors as broader markets showed volatility. RTX advanced around 1.6%, Northrop Grumman added 1.5%, and General Dynamics rose 1.3%.
Investors are shifting toward defense, searching for a “safe-haven” as uncertainty builds ahead of Tuesday’s CPI inflation report. U.S. stocks turned volatile after the Trump administration threatened to indict Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, while President Trump’s call for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates dragged down financial shares, Reuters noted. “We need see some type of action before the market will actually react to it in a meaningful way,” said Jordan Rizzuto, chief investment officer at GammaRoad Capital Partners. 1
Geopolitical tensions have driven a steady bid. Investors are snapping up gold and defense stocks after Trump floated the idea of seizing Greenland. “Gold prices are just screaming that markets are worried about geopolitical risk,” said Matthew Miskin, co-chief investment strategist at Manulife John Hancock Investments. Jeremie Peloso, chief European strategist at BCA Research, noted the rally is holding firm thanks to the Greenland talk. First Eagle portfolio manager Idanna Appio cautioned, “Political (and) geopolitical risk is very hard to price.” 2
For Lockheed, the blend matters nearly as much as the contract news itself. When jitters hit the market, investors frequently turn to major defense players as a safeguard against geopolitical risks and shifts in government spending.
Lockheed operates worldwide in security and aerospace, covering four main areas: Aeronautics; Missiles and Fire Control; Rotary and Mission Systems; and Space. Its portfolio includes aircraft, missile defense systems, helicopters, and satellites, per its company profile. 3
Traders are focused on three key things: cash flow, how well programs are running, and guidance that points to steady demand despite changing vibes in Washington. Signs of cost issues or schedule disruptions usually hit the stock price quickly.
The downside is clear-cut too. Should geopolitical tensions ease, the “safety” demand could vanish, sending defense stocks tumbling alongside the broader risk-off selloff.
Lockheed’s next major event is its Q4 and full-year earnings call, set for Jan. 29 at 8:30 a.m. EST. 4
Tuesday’s CPI report is the immediate test for rates and risk appetite, driving daily shifts in defense stocks.
