3 Stocks That Could Lead the Recovery as War Ends

Citigroup, Verizon, and Delta Air Lines have outperformed their struggling sectors during the Iran conflict.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:20pm

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An extreme close-up of intricate, industrial-looking banking machinery and equipment, conveying a sense of stability and security in the financial sector.As the global economy faces uncertainty, the resilience of key financial institutions could signal a path forward.Trainer Today

The Dow is in correction territory and oil prices have surged past $110 a barrel since the Iran conflict began in late February. However, Oxford Club Chief Income Strategist Marc Lichtenfeld has identified three stocks - Citigroup, Verizon, and Delta Air Lines - that have held up better than their peers in their respective beaten-down sectors. Lichtenfeld believes these stocks could lead the recovery when the conflict ends and markets stabilize.

Why it matters

The stocks that have shown relative strength during a market downturn are often the first to rebound when the cycle turns. If financial, communications, and airline stocks recover quickly when the Iran conflict ends, it could signal that the global economy is healing. These three companies' unique advantages may allow them to outperform their struggling sectors.

The details

Citigroup's global footprint and cash management business have helped it fare better than other major banks. Verizon's premium wireless service and consistent dividend make it a defensive play. And Delta's ownership of an oil refinery offsets its fuel costs, shielding it from the surge in oil prices.

  • The Iran conflict began in late February 2026.
  • Citigroup is scheduled to report earnings on April 14, 2026.
  • Verizon has raised its dividend for 22 consecutive years.

The players

Marc Lichtenfeld

Oxford Club Chief Income Strategist who has identified the three stocks that could lead the recovery.

Dan Schulman

Verizon's new CEO who has moved aggressively to cut costs and authorize a share buyback program.

Citigroup

A global bank with a strong cash management business that has held up better than its peers during the Iran conflict.

Verizon Communications

A premium wireless provider with a high dividend yield and defensive positioning.

Delta Air Lines

An airline that owns an oil refinery, offsetting its fuel costs and shielding it from the surge in oil prices.

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What they’re saying

“Relative strength during a selloff isn't random. When the cycle turns, the names that held up tend to be the first ones institutional money flows back into.”

— Marc Lichtenfeld, Oxford Club Chief Income Strategist

What’s next

Investors will be closely watching Citigroup's upcoming earnings report on April 14, 2026 for signs of improving margins. Additionally, any signs of a recovery in the financial, communications, and airline sectors could indicate that the global economy is healing.

The takeaway

By identifying stocks that have shown relative strength during the Iran conflict, investors may be able to get ahead of the recovery curve and capitalize on the potential outperformance of Citigroup, Verizon, and Delta Air Lines when the war ends and markets stabilize.