(Week Ending Friday March 13, 2026)

Financial markets experienced a volatile but ultimately resilient week as investors navigated geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising oil prices, and continued strength in artificial intelligence driven technology stocks. By the close of trading on Friday March 13, 2026, the major U.S. indices remained near record highs despite the uncertainty surrounding global conflicts.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 46,558.47, while the S&P 500 finished the week at 6,632.19, and the Nasdaq Composite ended at 22,105.36. These levels reflect a market that continues to show remarkable strength even as investors confront rising geopolitical risks.

The primary driver of market headlines this week was the escalating conflict involving Iran and rising military tensions in the Middle East. Markets tend to react quickly to geopolitical shocks, particularly when conflicts occur in regions critical to global energy supplies.

The Middle East remains one of the most important energy regions in the world. Roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most strategically sensitive shipping routes in global trade.

Any disruption to this corridor can have major consequences for global energy markets.

During the week, investors responded to the possibility of supply disruptions by pushing oil prices significantly higher. By Friday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed around $98.71 per barrel, while Brent crude finished near $103.14 per barrel. Brent crossing the $100 level is psychologically important for energy markets and reflects growing concern about supply stability.

Higher oil prices often ripple through the broader economy. Transportation companies, airlines, and manufacturing businesses typically face higher costs, while energy producers benefit from increased revenues.

Investors quickly rotated capital toward energy producers and defense contractors, sectors that historically perform well during geopolitical instability.

One of the clearest trends emerging in the market right now is the strength of defense contractors. As global tensions rise, governments around the world are increasing military spending to modernize defense systems and strengthen national security capabilities.

Several defense companies have been among the strongest performers in the market, including:

Lockheed Martin (LMT)
Northrop Grumman (NOC)
Raytheon Technologies (RTX)
General Dynamics (GD)
L3Harris Technologies (LHX)

Modern warfare increasingly relies on advanced technologies such as satellite intelligence, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, drone systems, and secure communications networks.

This shift has created enormous opportunities for companies developing next-generation defense technology.

Governments are investing billions of dollars to modernize military infrastructure and integrate artificial intelligence into defense systems.

As a result, many defense companies are entering a multi-year growth cycle driven by long-term procurement contracts.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, technology stocks continue to drive the broader market higher. Artificial intelligence remains one of the most powerful investment themes in the global economy.

Companies such as Microsoft, NVIDIA, Amazon, and Alphabet continue investing billions of dollars into AI infrastructure and cloud computing.

AI models require enormous computing power, which is driving demand for advanced semiconductors and large-scale data centers.

Investors increasingly view artificial intelligence as a multi-decade technological transformation, similar to the internet revolution of the late 1990s.

Governments also view AI as a strategic priority because of its implications for national security and economic competitiveness.

The surge in oil prices has also brought renewed attention to the energy sector.

Companies such as Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and ConocoPhillips have benefited from higher crude prices, which translate directly into stronger earnings and cash flow.

Many energy companies are now returning significant capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, making them attractive investments during periods of elevated oil prices.

The energy sector spent much of the past decade underperforming technology stocks, but rising geopolitical risks and strong global demand have brought investors back into the sector.

Looking ahead over the next two months, oil prices will largely depend on how tensions in the Middle East evolve.

If the conflict remains contained and shipping routes remain open, oil could stabilize around the $90 to $100 range.

However, if tensions escalate further or if Iran threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices could spike higher.

In a worst-case scenario involving supply disruptions, crude oil could temporarily move above $110 per barrel.

Higher oil prices could also reignite inflation concerns and influence central bank policy.

For investors, this environment reinforces the importance of diversification across technology, energy, and defense sectors.

One defense company that we believe is particularly well positioned in the current geopolitical environment is L3Harris Technologies (LHX).

L3Harris is one of the largest defense technology companies in the United States and plays a critical role in developing communications systems, surveillance platforms, and electronic warfare technology used by the U.S. military and allied nations.

The company was formed through the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation, creating a major player in advanced defense technology.

Unlike traditional weapons manufacturers that focus primarily on aircraft or missiles, L3Harris specializes in communications systems, sensors, cyber capabilities, and electronic warfare technologies.

These capabilities are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare.

Military forces today rely heavily on secure communications networks, satellite intelligence, and advanced surveillance technologies to coordinate operations and detect threats.

L3Harris provides many of these capabilities.

Another major growth opportunity for the company is space-based defense systems.

Satellites are now essential for global communications, navigation systems, and missile detection networks.

As governments invest more heavily in space security, companies like L3Harris are positioned to benefit.

Financially, L3Harris also benefits from long-term government contracts that provide predictable revenue streams.

Defense companies often operate under multi-year procurement agreements, which helps stabilize earnings even during economic downturns.

Trip owns LHX in his personal portfolio, and he believes the company is positioned well as global defense spending continues rising.

As geopolitical tensions increase, governments will likely continue investing in advanced defense technologies.

That trend could support long-term growth for companies like L3Harris.

One of the most educational parts of our newsletter is sharing the investments our family actually owns. These portfolios are managed independently, but they often reflect similar themes such as artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, electrification, aerospace, and consumer dominance. Below are the holdings across Chris’s Morgan Stanley and Fidelity accounts, along with Trip’s and Frankie’s Schwab portfolios as of the Friday March 13, 2026 market close.

Chris’s Morgan Stanley portfolio focuses on dominant companies with durable competitive advantages and strong long-term growth potential.

Alphabet (GOOG) closed Friday at $301.46 and Chris is currently up 75.63% on the investment. Analysts rate Alphabet Strong Buy, and Chris also rates the company Strong Buy. Alphabet continues to dominate digital advertising while expanding aggressively into artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Chris owns Alphabet because Google Cloud and AI-driven search innovation could drive the company’s next decade of growth.

Amazon (AMZN) closed Friday at $207.67 and Chris is currently down 0.17% on the position. Analysts rate Amazon Strong Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Buy. Amazon continues to lead global e-commerce while Amazon Web Services powers much of the world’s cloud infrastructure. Chris owns Amazon because AWS remains one of the most important platforms for artificial intelligence and enterprise computing.

Apple (AAPL) closed Friday at $250.12 and Chris is currently up 66.83% on the investment. Analysts rate Apple Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Buy. Apple’s ecosystem of devices, services, and software continues generating enormous cash flow. Chris owns Apple because the company’s brand loyalty and product integration create one of the strongest business moats in the world.

Costco (COST) closed Friday at $1,008.43 and Chris is currently up 114.09% on the investment. Analysts rate Costco Buy, while Chris personally rates the stock Strong Buy. Costco’s membership model produces extremely loyal customers and consistent revenue growth. Chris owns Costco because its pricing power and recurring membership revenue make it one of the strongest retailers globally.

Deere (DE) closed Friday at $577.50 and Chris is currently up 64.73% on the position. Analysts rate Deere Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Buy. Deere continues to lead agricultural technology through automation and precision farming equipment. Chris owns Deere because global food demand and farm productivity technology will remain essential for decades.

GE HealthCare (GEHC) closed Friday at $70.77 and Chris is currently down 14.04% on the position. Analysts rate GE HealthCare Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Buy. The company provides advanced medical imaging and healthcare technology used in hospitals worldwide. Chris owns GE HealthCare because aging populations and healthcare innovation should drive long-term growth.

GE Vernova (GEV) closed Friday at $805.02 and Chris is currently up 691.20% on the investment. Analysts rate GE Vernova Strong Buy, and Chris also rates the company Strong Buy. GE Vernova focuses on energy generation, grid infrastructure, and renewable energy systems. Chris owns GE Vernova because the global electrification trend will require massive investment in power infrastructure.

General Electric (GE) closed Friday at $299.69 and Chris is currently up 203.94% on the position. Analysts rate GE Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Buy. GE’s restructuring into aerospace, healthcare, and energy businesses has dramatically improved its financial outlook. Chris owns GE because the aerospace cycle and aircraft engine demand remain extremely strong.

Kroger (KR) closed Friday at $75.60 and Chris is currently up 54.05% on the investment. Analysts rate Kroger Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Buy. Kroger remains one of the largest grocery chains in the United States. Chris owns Kroger because grocery demand remains steady regardless of economic cycles.

Meta Platforms (META) closed Friday at $613.71 and Chris is currently up 5.86% on the position. Analysts rate Meta Strong Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Strong Buy. Meta generates enormous advertising revenue from its social media platforms. Chris owns Meta because AI-driven advertising and digital engagement continue expanding globally.

Microsoft (MSFT) closed Friday at $395.55 and Chris is currently up 781.33% on the investment. Analysts rate Microsoft Strong Buy, and Chris also rates the company Strong Buy. Microsoft is one of the leaders in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise software. Chris owns Microsoft because Azure cloud and AI services are central to the digital economy.

Procter & Gamble (PG) closed Friday at $150.65 and Chris is currently up 84.91% on the position. Analysts rate PG Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Buy. Procter & Gamble owns some of the most recognizable consumer brands in the world. Chris owns PG because consumer staples companies provide stability and reliable dividends.

Chris also maintains several Fidelity accounts that complement his core Morgan Stanley portfolio.

Amazon (AMZN) closed Friday at $207.67 and Chris is currently up 82.79% in his Fidelity trust account. Analysts rate Amazon Strong Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Buy. Amazon’s e-commerce platform and cloud infrastructure remain dominant globally. Chris owns Amazon because cloud computing demand continues expanding rapidly.

American Express (AXP) closed Friday at $299.96 and Chris is currently up 79.96% on the investment. Analysts rate American Express Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Buy. American Express benefits from strong consumer spending and premium credit customers. Chris owns American Express because of its strong brand and global payment network.

Kinder Morgan (KMI) closed Friday at $33.39 and Chris is currently up 123.89% on the investment. Analysts rate Kinder Morgan Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Buy. Kinder Morgan operates one of the largest energy pipeline networks in North America. Chris owns Kinder Morgan because energy infrastructure produces stable long-term cash flow.

Exxon Mobil (XOM) closed Friday at $156.12 and Chris is currently up 86.06% on the investment. Analysts rate Exxon Mobil Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Strong Buy. Exxon remains one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world. Chris owns Exxon because rising global energy demand and geopolitical tensions support higher oil prices.

Tesla (TSLA) closed Friday at $391.20 and Chris is currently up 23.01% in his Roth IRA. Analysts rate Tesla Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Strong Buy. Tesla remains a leader in electric vehicles, energy storage, and artificial intelligence technology. Chris owns Tesla because he believes robotics and autonomous driving will transform transportation.

Apple (AAPL) closed Friday at $250.12 and Chris is currently up 130.57% in his Fidelity trust account. Analysts rate Apple Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Buy. Apple’s ecosystem continues expanding through services and devices. Chris owns Apple because of its unmatched customer loyalty and consistent profitability.

NVIDIA (NVDA) closed Friday at $180.25 and Chris is currently up 82.56% on the investment. Analysts rate NVIDIA Strong Buy, and Chris personally rates the stock Strong Buy. NVIDIA sits at the center of artificial intelligence computing. Chris owns NVIDIA because demand for AI chips continues to surge globally.

Palantir (PLTR) closed Friday at $150.95 and Chris is currently down 0.91% in his SIMPLE IRA. Analysts rate Palantir Buy, and Chris personally rates the company Strong Buy. Palantir develops advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics platforms used by governments and corporations. Chris owns Palantir because AI-driven decision software will become essential across industries.

Trip’s portfolio reflects his interest in technology, energy, space innovation, and global macro investing while studying at the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.

Alibaba (BABA) closed at $135.21 and Trip is up 74.46%. Analysts rate the company Buy, and Trip also rates it Buy. Alibaba remains a major e-commerce and cloud computing company in China. Trip owns the stock because he believes Chinese technology companies may benefit from long-term global digital commerce growth.

Strategy (MSTR) closed at $139.67 and Trip is down 19.55%. Analysts rate it Hold, while Trip personally rates it Buy. Strategy has become widely known for its Bitcoin treasury strategy. Trip owns the company because it provides exposure to Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential.

New Gold (NGD) closed at $9.98 and Trip is down 22.27%. Analysts rate the company Hold, and Trip personally rates it Buy as a hedge. Gold mining companies can perform well during geopolitical instability. Trip owns New Gold because precious metals may rise during periods of inflation or conflict.

NextEra Energy (NEE) closed at $92.78 and Trip is up 5.77%. Analysts rate the company Buy, and Trip agrees. NextEra is one of the largest renewable energy companies globally. Trip owns NextEra because electrification and renewable power demand continue growing.

GE Vernova (GEV) closed at $805.02 and Trip is up 703.07%. Analysts rate it Strong Buy, and Trip strongly agrees. GE Vernova builds power generation and grid infrastructure. Trip owns it because electrification will require massive energy investment.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) closed at $68.41 and Trip is down 21.11%. Analysts rate it Buy, and Trip agrees. Rocket Lab develops launch vehicles and satellite systems. Trip owns the stock because the commercial space economy is expanding rapidly.

L3Harris Technologies (LHX) closed at $358.96 and Trip is up 0.49%. Analysts rate the company Buy, and Trip rates it Strong Buy. L3Harris develops advanced defense technology and communications systems. Trip owns it because global defense spending is rising.

Apple (AAPL) closed at $250.12 and Trip is up 115.49%. Analysts rate Apple Buy, and Trip agrees. Apple’s ecosystem continues generating enormous revenue. Trip owns Apple because of its powerful brand and loyal customer base.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) closed at $86.34 and Trip is down 23.94%. Analysts rate it Buy, and Trip agrees. AST SpaceMobile is building satellite networks for mobile connectivity. Trip owns it because global satellite communication could transform telecommunications.

NVIDIA (NVDA) closed at $180.25 and Trip is up 53.89%. Analysts rate NVIDIA Strong Buy, and Trip agrees. NVIDIA powers much of the world’s AI computing infrastructure. Trip owns the company because AI computing demand continues rising.

IREN Limited (IREN) closed at $41.58 and Trip is down 30.70%. Analysts rate it Hold, and Trip personally rates it Buy. IREN operates data centers for cryptocurrency mining and high-performance computing. Trip owns the company because digital asset infrastructure is expanding.

Adobe (ADBE) closed at $249.32 and Trip is down 6.76%. Analysts rate Adobe Buy, and Trip agrees. Adobe dominates creative software used globally. Trip owns Adobe because its subscription model produces reliable recurring revenue.

Chevron (CVX) closed at $196.82 and Trip is up 18.86%. Analysts rate Chevron Buy, and Trip rates it Strong Buy. Chevron remains one of the largest oil producers in the world. Trip owns Chevron because rising geopolitical tensions could support higher oil prices.

BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) closed at $20.54 and Trip is down 21.00%. Analysts rate it Speculative Buy, and Trip personally rates it Buy. BitMine operates technology used in cryptocurrency mining. Trip owns the stock because he believes blockchain infrastructure will continue expanding.

Frankie’s portfolio focuses heavily on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and emerging technology companies.

Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) closed at $10.10 and Frankie is up 35.75%. Analysts rate it Buy, and Frankie personally rates it Strong Buy. Navitas develops next-generation gallium nitride power semiconductors. Frankie owns it because AI data centers and EVs require more efficient power electronics.

GE Vernova (GEV) closed at $805.02 and Frankie is up 703.07%. Analysts rate it Strong Buy, and Frankie strongly agrees. GE Vernova builds energy infrastructure and power generation systems. Frankie owns it because electrification demand will continue rising.

Nebius Group (NBIS) closed at $112.95 and Frankie is up 33.24%. Analysts rate it Buy, and Frankie agrees. Nebius focuses on cloud computing and AI infrastructure. Frankie owns it because AI demand is expanding rapidly.

Microsoft (MSFT) closed at $395.55 and Frankie is up 253.74%. Analysts rate Microsoft Strong Buy, and Frankie strongly agrees. Microsoft is a leader in AI software and cloud computing. Frankie owns it because Azure and AI services continue growing.

Tesla (TSLA) closed at $391.20 and Frankie is up 31.55%. Analysts rate Tesla Buy, and Frankie personally rates it Strong Buy. Tesla leads electric vehicles and autonomous technology development. Frankie owns Tesla because robotics and AI could transform transportation.

Palantir (PLTR) closed at $150.95 and Frankie is up 4.92%. Analysts rate Palantir Buy, and Frankie rates it Strong Buy. Palantir builds AI software used by governments and corporations. Frankie owns it because data-driven decision systems are becoming essential.

Aurora Innovation (AUR) closed at $4.08 and Frankie is up 4.62%. Analysts rate it Speculative Buy, and Frankie personally rates it Buy. Aurora develops autonomous trucking technology. Frankie owns it because self-driving transportation could transform logistics.

Meta Platforms (META) closed at $613.19 and Frankie is up 6.11%. Analysts rate Meta Strong Buy, and Frankie agrees. Meta dominates global social media and digital advertising. Frankie owns it because AI-driven advertising continues expanding.

As we reflect on another week in the markets, one theme continues to stand out: long-term investing rewards patience and discipline. Markets will always move through periods of uncertainty—whether driven by geopolitical conflict, rising oil prices, or economic concerns—but history shows that investors who remain focused on strong companies and long-term trends tend to benefit over time. Our family enjoys studying these trends together, from artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure to defense technology and space innovation. By sharing our portfolios and the reasoning behind our investments, our hope is that readers can follow along with our journey and gain ideas for their own investing strategies. As always, we appreciate you being part of the Smart Wealth community, and we look forward to sharing more insights with you next week.

This newsletter is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Readers should conduct their own research and consult a financial professional before making investment decisions.