Stock Movers Closing Bell: Palantir Rises on Iran Conflict, Nvidia Jumps, Norwegian Cruise Drops
Mar 2, 2026
Markets swivel on geopolitics as defense-linked AI names surge amid renewed U.S.-Iran tensions. A major chip company strikes multiyear deals to secure advanced data center optics. Cruise line shares tumble after a weaker-than-expected profit outlook and activist pressure. Broader moves include energy gains, airline weakness and big shifts in U.S. yields.
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Defense AI Rally Lifts Palantir
- Palantir surged as investors bid defense-linked AI names amid renewed U.S.-Iran conflict and UBS upgraded the stock to buy.
- Carol Massar noted Palantir was the S&P 500's number three gainer and rose about 5.8% on the geopolitical rally.
Nvidia Secures AI Optics With $4B Deals
- Nvidia agreed to invest $4 billion across Lumentum and Coherent to secure data center optics for AI, boosting those suppliers sharply.
- Carol Massar said Lumentum jumped ~12% and Coherent gained over 15% after the multi-year deals.
Geopolitics Boosts Defense And Energy Stocks
- Defense names broadly rallied as Middle East tensions pushed investors toward defense contractors and related energy names.
- Carol Massar highlighted gains in Lockheed, Northrop Grumman, RTX, ExxonMobil and Chevron amid the conflict.