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Members of Congress accused of 'buying war stocks' ahead of Israel-Hamas conflict but Internet is conflicted

Many of the listed companies actively lobby Congress, allowing them to communicate their interests to policymakers directly

WASHINGTON, DC: Amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, a recent report has brought to light the strategic investment moves by US congressional leaders in military-related stocks. This financial maneuvering, while not entirely surprising, has raised concerns once again about insider trading.

Firstly, it's worth noting the surge in investments in the defense company General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). Geopolitical turmoil often leads to increased interest in defense stocks, and the current conflict is no exception. Similar trends were observed during the Ukrainian conflict too.

Partisan investment trends

What's particularly intriguing, however, is the sectoral divide among Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Many Republicans have turned their attention to the energy sector, with prominent stocks like Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM), Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN), and Chevron (NYSE: CVX) garnering substantial investments.

On the Democratic side, a focus on the cybersecurity sector has emerged, with acquisitions in companies like Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). This information was tweeted by @unusual_whales on X (formerly Twitter) on October 9, and the financial news outlet Finbold provided these insights. 

It's essential to acknowledge that these companies actively lobby Congress, allowing them to communicate their interests to policymakers directly and quite effectively.

Notable members who have engaged in these investments include Republicans Michael McCaul (Texas), Kevin Hern (Oklahoma), and Michael Guest (Mississippi), with the latter acquiring up to $15,000 of Exxon Mobil stock in August. Among Democrats, Frankel (Florida), Richard Larsen (Washington), and Walter Schrader (Oregon) stand out too.

The stock market often reflects geopolitical events, and individuals with foresight can leverage its potential. The adage "buying the rumor and selling the news" comes to mind.

While congressional actions are subject to scrutiny, they can serve as indicators of where informed investments are headed.

Public reactions and call for investigation

The report has stirred up significant reactions on social media, with many expressing concerns. Several even called for a  thorough investigation into such investments to prevent war profiteering.

"Members of Congress purchased war stocks ahead of the attack on Israel. Members include Kevin Hern, Texas House Rep. Michael McCaul, Michael Guest, Rob Wittman, Lois Frankel, Rick Larsen and Walter Schrader. All should be investigated. But as a Texas citizen, I call on the House to investigate Rep. Michael McCaul," one posted on X.

"The ability to trade while being in a position to influence the stock prices is a practice that must stop. This should be a non-negotiable for Americans wanting true representative government," another wrote.

"Members of Congress should not be permitted to trade stocks. Period," someone else offered.

"Any congressman, senator or representative who bought war stocks this week should be exposed and then primaried," another chimed in.

Skepticism and counterarguments

However, there are those who remain skeptical of the claims, suggesting that their stock purchases were unrelated to recent events.

"I purchased RTX, LMT, and others last week because the market was down and they appeared oversold. Likely a coincidence," a comment read.

Some even pointed out that certain trades occurred a year ago, raising questions about their relevance to the current situation in Israel or Ukraine.

"Uhm - why are these particular trades relevant? Some of these trades occurred a year ago. The most recent trade is 2 months ago - how does this relate to war stocks; re, the action in Israel? Or even Ukraine?" another wrote.

Market impact and analyst predictions

Meanwhile, on Wall Street, investments have flowed into the defense sector following one of the most significant military escalations in years involving Israel.

The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has seen a 6% increase since Friday, with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman experiencing their strongest stock gains in over three years.

Forbes reports a combined $28.4 billion increase in market capitalization since Friday, October 6, from major American defense contractor giants, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, Raytheon, and General Dynamics.

Nonetheless, Bernstein analysts predict that this surge in US defense stocks resulting from the Hamas attack on Israel is unlikely to continue, citing historical market performance during international military conflicts.

The aforementioned information is based on external reports. MEAWW has not been able to verify these claims independently.