WSJ Your Money Briefing – What’s News in Markets: Defense Stocks Rise, Beer Beats, Pharma Deal

Date: January 10, 2026
Host: Francesca Fontana (Wall Street Journal)

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the week’s most significant stock market movers and the news that shaped them. Francesca Fontana breaks down why defense stocks are surging, how a major beer company surprised Wall Street, and the impact of a billion-dollar pharmaceutical acquisition. The analysis centers on tangible market trends and offers quick, insight-rich commentary for investors, business watchers, and anyone interested in how news events translate to market movement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Geopolitical Uncertainty Drives Oil Market and Stocks

[00:30–01:20]

• The first trading week of 2026 was marked by geopolitical events, particularly U.S. involvement in Venezuela.
• President Trump’s announcement to revive Venezuela’s oil industry and the administration’s long-term plans to control its energy sector led American oil majors, like Chevron, to outperform the market.
• Market Impact:
  • Chevron’s shares surged, closing up 5.1% on Monday and up 4% for the week.
• Major Index Performance:
  • Dow: up 2.3%
  • S&P 500: up 1.6%
  • Nasdaq: up 1.9%
• Quote:
  • “Traders had plenty to digest… namely the ripple effects of US Action in Venezuela.” – Francesca Fontana [00:36]

2. Defense Stocks Rally on Bigger Budget

[01:21–02:10]

• President Trump’s call for a $1.5 trillion defense budget (over $500 billion above existing expectations) catalyzed a rally in U.S. defense companies.
• Lockheed Martin and peers responded strongly; Lockheed Martin separately announced it would triple Patriot missile production following a seven-year Pentagon deal.
• Stock Moves:
  • Lockheed Martin: up 2% Tuesday; up 9.2% for the week.
• Quote:
  • “President Trump’s call for a bigger defense budget sparked a rally in Lockheed Martin and other US weapons makers.” – Francesca Fontana [01:33]
  • “[He] wrote about it in a social media post late Wednesday.” – Francesca Fontana [01:41]

3. Constellation Brands (Corona) Trims Losses Despite Headwinds

[02:11–03:14]

• The parent company of Corona beer, Constellation Brands, faced continued sales struggles, especially among Hispanic customers, weighed down by softening consumer sentiment and fewer physically demanding “4,000 calorie jobs” like construction.
• Despite reporting lower sales and profits for the most recent quarter, results were not as bad as Wall Street feared.
• Stock Moves:
  • Shares closed up 5.3% Thursday; weekly gain of 4.1%.
• Quote:
  • “The results released…weren’t great, but they were better than Wall street was expecting.” – Francesca Fontana [02:57]
  • “A downturn in 4,000 calorie jobs…typically boost beer sales.” – Francesca Fontana [03:01]

4. Eli Lilly’s Billion-Dollar Bet on Biotech

[03:15–04:12]

• Eli Lilly agreed to acquire Ventix Biosciences for around $1 billion, aiming to expand in autoimmune (inflammatory response) treatments—a promising field adjacent to the weight-loss drug boom (Ozempic, etc.).
• The deal could help Lilly compete with major players like Novo Nordisk.
• Stock Moves:
  • Ventix shares: up 37% Wednesday, 64% for the week.
• Quote:
  • “Ventix has been focused on developing drugs targeting inflammatory response. If its experimental pills pan out, they would add to Lilly’s portfolio…” – Francesca Fontana [03:45]
  • “It could help Lilly compete against other big rivals, including Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk…” – Francesca Fontana [03:51]

5. Closing and Further Resources

[04:13–04:43]

• Francesca Fontana advises listeners to read “The Score,” her WSJ Exchange section column, for more coverage on stocks that moved in the week.
• Wrap-up acknowledges the production team and teases next week’s market news update.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The first full trading week of the new year is in the bag, and it certainly wasn’t a boring one.” – Francesca Fontana [00:41]
• “You can read about more stocks that moved on the week’s news in The Score, my column in the Wall Street Journal’s Exchange section.” – Francesca Fontana [04:24]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:30] – Start of market recap and geopolitical developments
• [01:21] – Defense stocks and Lockheed Martin news
• [02:11] – Constellation Brands’ earnings and market reaction
• [03:15] – Eli Lilly’s pharma deal and biotech implications
• [04:13] – Wrap-up and further reading suggestions

Tone & Language

Francesca Fontana delivers the market wrap with clarity and pace, using precise yet approachable language. The tone is informative, direct, and designed for listeners with varying levels of market knowledge.

Recommendation:
This sharp, facts-first recap is valuable for investors and market watchers. It’s packed with actionable insights and avoids hype, making it perfect for staying informed on key financial stories of the week.