VIP Exclusive: Middle East Turmoil Sends Shockwaves, and Here’s How These 5 Stocks Are Reacting

A new front opened in the Middle East overnight as Israel launched a dramatic series of airstrikes across Iran, killing top military leaders and nuclear scientists.

The attack, which targeted nuclear facilities and missile bases, sent oil and gold prices sharply higher and spooked equity markets around the globe. 

As markets weigh the potential for broader escalation, investors are moving into safe havens and inflation hedges while reassessing exposure to global growth plays.

Here are five stocks that might be opportunities amid the chaos:

Newmont | NEM

Price: $57.90

Gold surged overnight as investors scrambled for protection amid fears of a regional war.

That’s good news for Newmont, the world’s largest gold miner, which has quietly put together an impressive year already. 

Shares are up nearly 46% year-to-date, and recent earnings showed revenue rising 25% to $5.01 billion and net income topping $ 1.89 billion. That’s more than 10x increase from the year prior.

Newmont has positioned itself as more than just a traditional gold name.

Its $16.8B acquisition of Newcrest Mining in 2023 expanded its global footprint and copper exposure while still keeping gold as the core thesis. 

With inflation anxiety and geopolitical risk back in the headlines, Newmont may be viewed as one of the more compelling hedges in the S&P 500.

The stock’s 1.79% dividend yield and strong free cash flow only add to its appeal.

Pfizer | PFE

Price: $24.53

Pfizer recently regained its position above its 50-day moving average, thanks to a new cancer drug licensing deal with China’s 3SBio, a space increasingly viewed as a battleground for growth in global oncology. 

The company is still digesting years of volatility stemming from COVID windfalls and setbacks in obesity drug development.

However, its Q1 results showed resilience, with $13.72 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of $0.92, beating profit expectations despite an 8% dip in sales.

The broader macro backdrop is murky, especially with Trump-era tariffs potentially returning to the pharma sector. 

That said, Pfizer’s manufacturing base in the U.S. may shield it somewhat from the worst-case trade scenarios.

Activist pressure from Starboard Capital could also push for better capital allocation and cost discipline. 

While PFE remains below its 200-day average, signs of a turnaround are emerging, and a strong Q2 report could further shift sentiment.

Verona Pharma | VRNA

Price: $92.25

Verona Pharma shares have surged in 2025, rising more than 90% year-to-date and notching a new all-time high above $93.

The catalyst was strong sales from its COPD treatment, Ohtuvayre, which posted $71 million in Q2 revenue, nearly doubling the revenue from the previous quarter. 

Analysts expect this drug to generate up to $731 million annually by 2026, with Jefferies and Truist both setting price targets of around $95–$100.

Verona’s business model stands out in the crowded biotech space.

Its 95% gross margins, commercial momentum, and growing KOL support suggest that it may carve out meaningful market share despite competition from biologics. 

While the stock appears overbought in the short term, continued execution could justify current valuations.

For investors seeking exposure to small-cap biotech with large-cap upside, VRNA may be one to watch closely, especially if global macroeconomic fears subside.

Root Inc. | ROOT

Price: $146.71

ROOT has delivered a stunning 224% return over the past year, transforming from a struggling insurtech to one of the most talked-about multibagger candidates in 2025. 

Its recent breakout is supported by fundamentals: full-year net income of $31M, $1.3B in gross premiums written, and a best-in-class loss ratio of 59%.

The company’s partnership channels are growing rapidly, and ROOT now reaches 76% of the U.S. population.

In an environment where tech stocks are under pressure and traditional insurers face margin headwinds, Root’s data-driven underwriting and proprietary pricing engine stand out. 

It remains a higher-risk play, given its relatively small market cap and history of volatility; however, the strategic shift toward profitability and disciplined growth may signal a longer-term inflection point.

AST SpaceMobile | ASTS

Price: $38.43

As the satellite internet race intensifies, AST SpaceMobile is gaining momentum.

The stock is up more than 70% year-to-date (YTD) on rising investor optimism around its unique value proposition: direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity without the need for special hardware. 

With five new satellites slated to launch by year-end and $874 million in cash on the books, ASTS is preparing to commercialize its vision in a significant way.

Recent government contracts, including a $43 million deal with the U.S. Space Development Agency, validate the technology and improve visibility.

However, revenue remains minimal, and execution risk is high.

For investors seeking speculative upside in communications infrastructure, ASTS may offer meaningful potential — if it can hit key milestones and avoid dilution along the way.

Markets are on edge following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran, with fears of a broader Middle East conflict driving up oil, gold, and safe-haven assets. 

It’s a big moment for global risk sentiment, and one that could trigger shifts in both sector leadership and portfolio allocation.

Energy, commodities, and defensive growth plays are likely to stay in focus while investors assess the fallout. 

For now, stocks like Newmont and Pfizer offer compelling narratives underpinned by macro and micro tailwinds, while high-momentum names like Verona and ASTS may face more volatility — but also reap greater rewards.