NATO summit sends defence stocks up as states expected to diverge on 5% military spending target

Target path 'gradual and uneven'

Defence contractors have seen their share prices climb vertiginously following the annual NATO summit taking place in the Netherlands on Wednesday (25 June).

Shares in British warship maker Babcock closed 10.7% higher than the previous day on Wednesday, while in Germany, Rheinmetall's stocks rose by almost 3.1% in the same period, according to data from MarketWatch. Others, such as BAE, posted a smaller share price increase of 1%, while in Europe, the French aerospace and defence giant Thales saw a 2% growth in its stock price yesterday, and Italy-based Leonardo enjoyed a slightly higher 2.6% boost. UK, France and Germany urge increased defence spending on eve of Hague NATO summit The latest jump in share prices came after NATO lea...