1300 GMT - Talk of ceasefires in Ukraine and the Middle East could persuade investors to lock in profits, AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould says. This is especially true as defense stocks have been strong performers, on average, since the Russian invasion in early 2022. The Kremlin said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin won't agree to freeze the war in Ukraine along the current front lines. This counters reports that he might be ready to discuss that option with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. European defense companies Rheinmetall, Leonardo, BAE Systems, Thales and SAAB are all trading down by 1%-2% against a backdrop of headline indices that are generally marginally higher, Mould notes. But he says it will be actions that count. EU nations in particular are likely to remain aware of their obligation to meet defense spending requirements, as members of NATO and facing potential pressure from Trump. (cristina.gallardo@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 20, 2024 08:01 ET (13:01 GMT)
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