The February 28 joint American-Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent regional escalation triggered significant volatility in the global financial markets, but, despite the fears, not all assets have suffered losses by press time on March 5.

Indeed, multiple sectors, led by big oil and the defense industry but also including some more surprising investments like Bitcoin (BTC), have enjoyed strong rallies since the war began.

Under the circumstances, Finbold elected to examine the stock market to find the top equity to buy this March against the backdrop of the ‘large-scale military operation.’

Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR)

Following a steep decline that started in late December and persisting though January and much of February, the technology giant Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR) experienced something of a renaissance with the outbreak of the conflict.

Despite still being 12.54% down in the year-to-date (YTD) chart, PLTR stock rallied an impressive 14.25% in the last week of trading and is, at press time, changing hands at $155.33.

Palantir’s close integration with multiple sections of the U.S. Government and, critically, with the Armed Forces is arguably the key factor behind the upswing. 

Furthermore, the upside could extend long-term as recent reports indicate that the company’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems have been critical in waging the offensive air-campaign and sustained missile defense. 

Considering the President Donald Trump Administration’s efforts to continue integrating cutting-edge technologies into the military – to the point of designating Anthropic a ‘supply chain risk’ over the refusal to remove guardrails allegedly preventing fully autonomous weapons – Palantir could use the success of its systems to become even more integrated with the government.

At press time, it appears that the only credible roadblock that might appear in front of Palantir’s stock is public perception. 

The company has already garnered something of a bad reputation as a surveillance giant, while videos from Tehran and Beirut that look dangerously close to terror bombing campaigns of old could exacerbate the issue.

Still, it is noteworthy that despite military AI already being labeled a ‘Mass Assassination Factory’ in the context of Gaza, technology companies and Palantir have managed to continue advancing.

Chevron (NYSE: CVX)

The energy sector was already one of the strongest areas for investment in 2026, and the outbreak of war has only led to further gains. 

In this context, the Warren Buffett-backed oil giant Chevron (NYSE: CVX) represents a particularly enticing opportunity. 

To begin with, the severe disruption in shipments in the Middle East has generated notable price fluctuation, creating decent buying opportunities for traders seeking to ‘min-max.’

CVX stock is up 23.50% YTD, for example, but, through the latest volatility, a relatively modest 1.95% up in the last week, with its press time price of $188.14.

Chevron is also in a relatively strong position considering it, given the events of early January, received a notable boost to its access to oil in Venezuela, and runs significant onshore oil production in the U.S.

Similarly, the Buffett-backed company could benefit from the escalation in the long term. On the one hand, a protracted conflict would keep oil prices elevated, and victory could open up Iran for new contracts with Western companies. 

Elsewhere, and thanks both to the variety of its own operations and President Trump’s policy, Chevron would likely fare well even in the case of a stalemate.

Lastly, the situation in the Middle East opens the opportunity for something of a contrarian bet. Following the U.S. Invasion of Iraq in 2003, Chinese companies have managed to secure a large portion of available fossil fuel contracts in the country.

Under the circumstances, CNOOC Limited, the main offshore oil company of the People’s Republic, could eventually prove an unlikely winner of the turmoil. Still, it could also be difficult to invest in the firm as, after getting delisted in New York in 2021, it is now available only on the Hong Kong and Shanghai exchanges.

Rtx Corporation (NYSE: RTX)

While war has generally always been good for the military-industrial complex – and the latest conflict is no exception – Rtx Corporation (NYSE: RTX) might be presenting an especially lucrative buy. 

To begin with, its relatively broad business appears critical for the armed forces in short and long-term scenarios, considering it includes missiles, munitions, radars, and sensors for missile defense, avionics, airplane engines, and much more. 

Additionally, RTX stock is in something of a sweet spot at press time as it has held on to more of its initial rally than peers like Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), but has not yet rallied as high as Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC).

Specifically, Rtx Corporation shares are 3.62% up in the last week of trading and are, at press time on March 5, changing hands at $205.62.

Elsewhere, the company’s long-term prospects appear positive. President Donald Trump has been calling for an increase in the military budget, even proposing a staggering $1.5 trillion figure.

Simultaneously and contrary to multiple official statements, yet seemingly hinted at by military requests and other official statements, the current war against Iran could drag on for months, with some speculating that the campaign could last for approximately 100 days.

Under the circumstances, RTX stock could benefit directly from the need for additional equipment and indirectly from the increased cultural relevance due to continuous news coverage.

Still, a March purchase of the company’s shares would not be entirely riskless, as there is always a danger of a ‘black swan’ event or of mounting public opposition, as discussed for Palantir.

Featured image via Shutterstock