European defense stocks experienced a significant surge on Monday, marking the first trading session after President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During a heated Oval Office meeting, Trump criticized Zelensky for risking “World War III” and emphasized an “America First” policy after failing to secure a mineral-rights deal favorable to the U.S.
This pivotal moment, which could be remembered as the “Zelensky” moment, highlights the growing divergence between U.S. and European markets. While European defense stocks rallied amid geopolitical tensions, U.S. stocks have struggled to keep pace as Trump’s foreign policy shifts focus toward domestic priorities.
— news from MarketWatch