2 BlackRock iShares ETFs Jump as Oil and Defense Stocks Rally

FomoAnxiety · 2026-03-03T14:52:56+00:00

Market volatility is heightened due to Middle East tensions raising oil prices and boosting defense stocks. The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF and the iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF are strong investment options amid this climate.

FomoAnxiety

2026-03-03 14:52:56

Abstract generation in progress

Market volatility remains elevated as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East push oil prices higher and lift defense stocks. Using TipRanks’ Best BlackRock ETFs tool, we identified two funds — the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF ITA +2.81% ▲ and the iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF IEO +3.60% ▲ —that are climbing as investors rotate into energy and defense.

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Investors can use TipRanks’ Compare ETFs tool to analyze options side by side. Let’s take a closer look at these ETFs.

iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF ITA +2.81% ▲

The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) gives investors exposure to major U.S. defense contractors and aerospace firms. The fund tends to benefit when geopolitical tensions rise and governments increase defense spending. ITA focuses on North American equities and holds 43 stocks, with its top 10 positions accounting for about 75% of assets.

Top holdings include GE Aerospace GE +1.02% ▲ , RTX Corporation RTX +4.71% ▲ , Boeing BA +0.97% ▲ , and Lockheed Martin LMT +3.37% ▲ . The ETF manages roughly $15.9 billion in assets and has gained more than 59% over the past year.

iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF IEO +3.60% ▲

The iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) provides targeted exposure to U.S. oil producers and exploration companies. The fund typically benefits when crude prices climb, as it is more sensitive to upstream energy firms.

IEO holds 47 stocks, with the top 10 positions making up about 71% of assets. Its largest holdings include ConocoPhillips COP +4.21% ▲ , EOG Resources EOG +3.68% ▲ , and Phillips 66 PSX +3.79% ▲ . The ETF manages about $509 million in assets and is up roughly 22% over the past year.

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