Double Liberation - Trades That May Take Off Into May
Two “Liberation Days” are set to define April’s final trading stretch:
April 2 — Trump’s Declared ‘Economic Liberation Day’, tied to upcoming possible trade announcements aimed at restoring U.S. industrial dominance
April 30 — Vietnam’s National Reunification Day (50th anniversary, featuring military parades and U.S. defense alignment)
While seemingly symbolic, these back-to-back events are becoming a coiled geopolitical and market catalyst, with investors already placing directional bets across defense, apparel, and rare-earth-linked sectors.
Lockheed Martin and the Vietnam Pivot: The Trade Beneath the Rumor
Yesterday’s late-session rally was driven by rumors of a sweeping U.S.-Vietnam trade and defense deal, with sharp gains seen in textile names. At the core is Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), now widely rumored to be involved in a confirmed deal to supply:
24+ F-16V fighter jets
C-130 Hercules transport planes
If finalized, this would represent Vietnam’s largest military procurement from the U.S., signaling a strategic break from decades of Russian defense reliance.
The April 30 Military Parade Could Be the Reveal
Vietnam will hold a nationally televised celebration in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, marking 50 years since the fall of Saigon. With aerial demonstrations and military hardware on full display, this date is now the expected window for a formal defense announcement—a symbolic way for Hanoi to highlight its modernization.
Option Traders Are Already Betting on It
Not just defense. Money is circling apparel stocks tied to Vietnam’s export economy:
May 5 call options have seen unusual activity in:
ANF (Abercrombie & Fitch)
NKE (Nike)
GPS (Gap Inc.)
These companies are heavily exposed to Vietnam’s manufacturing sector. A trade agreement easing tariffs or increasing export quotas could trigger margin upside and supply chain clarity heading into earnings season.
The choice of May 5 expiries is key—it’s not just post-Liberation Day; it’s also just before:
The expected U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal announcement
Russia’s Victory Day (May 8th)—a critical day for global defense posturing
The Smart Trade: LMT + Select Options
Go Long LMT and major indices (just T+8) into April 30 on defense deal confirmation.
Watch May 5 calls in ANF, NKE, GPS for a Vietnam trade sweep angle
Monitor headlines till and April 30 (Vietnam parade) for deal confirmation
Hedge market indices longs if no announcements by month end. We are still in a 1 year bear market.
Hold LMT 0.00%↑ for trade deals throughout the next 80 days.
Conclusion: April Ends With Fireworks
Markets often miss these narrative-driven pivots—until they don’t. The next 10 days could be a masterclass in how geopolitics, trade, and symbolism create asymmetric upside. Lockheed Martin offers the route. May 5 call flows in stocks suggest the optionality yet are rumor oriented.
Liberation—whether economic or geopolitical—is on the tape.