Defense Stocks Rise Amid Trump Investment Hints, Eli Lilly and Firefly Gain Momentum, Marvell Faces Near-Term Growth Concerns.

Defense stocks rose as the Trump administration considered acquiring stakes in major contractors, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Eli Lilly shares surged after unveiling Phase 3 results for its oral weight-loss pill, and Firefly Neuroscience's AI-powered EEG platform boosted its stock. However, Marvell Technology's stock plummeted as Q3 sales guidance missed expectations, and Tesla's robotaxi dream hit a wall of distrust with nearly half of Americans saying its FSD should be illegal.

Defense stocks experienced a surge on Thursday as the Trump administration explored the possibility of acquiring stakes in major defense contractors, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The move, which signals a potential shift in defense funding and governance, was confirmed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a CNBC interview. Lutnick highlighted national security benefits, citing a recent $9 billion investment in Intel, but deferred detailed long-term strategies to the Department of Defense [1].

The initiative has drawn mixed reactions, with proponents arguing that government ownership could enhance control over critical supply chains and reduce reliance on private or foreign capital in sensitive areas. Critics, however, warn that such actions could blur the lines between public policy and corporate decision-making, raising concerns about the implications for free markets and capitalism [2].

Meanwhile, Eli Lilly shares surged after the company unveiled Phase 3 results for its oral weight-loss pill, orforglipron. The drug, which is the most advanced small-molecule GLP-1 in development, demonstrated significant weight loss and blood sugar improvements in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Treatment with the highest dose led to 9.6% weight loss over 72 weeks, compared to 2.5% in the placebo group [3].

Firefly Neuroscience's stock also boosted as the company's AI-powered EEG platform received positive market sentiment. However, Marvell Technology's stock plummeted after the company missed Q3 sales expectations, while Tesla's robotaxi dream hit a wall of distrust with nearly half of Americans expressing concern about the legality of its FSD [4].

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/trump-administration-explores-stakes-defense-firms-including-lockheed-martin-boeing-palantir-2508/
[2] https://www.statnews.com/2025/08/26/eli-lilly-oral-glp-1-drug-orforglipron-phase-3-trial-results/
[3] https://www.geneonline.com/eli-lillys-oral-glp-1-weight-loss-pill-clears-third-phase-3-trial-bringing-fda-approval-within-reach/