Good morning and happy Sunday!

With markets on edge over the growing threat of U.S involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, insiders were anything but idle this past week. Oil is hovering near multi-month highs, central banks are treading lightly, and equity markets are flashing warning signs.

Against this backdrop, three notable trades caught our attention: A Congressman quietly sold off his defense stock just as global tensions escalated, the Executive Chair of a quantum computing firm made a massive $136 million sale, and a Vermont-based investment firm made a quiet but confident increase to its Apple position.

Here’s how it all went down.

P.S. This newsletter was drafted Friday. Want these trade alerts as they happen? Join Elite Insider here.

🏛️ Connolly Bows Out of Defense

On May 17, 2025, Representative Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) disclosed a full sale of his position in Leidos Holdings Inc. $LDOS ( ▲ 2.06% ) , valued between $1,001 and $15,000. The trade occurred on May 13.

Leidos, a key player in defense and national security, often sees increased investor interest during geopolitical escalations. So this move might raise eyebrows. Perhaps Connolly was simply rotating out of a small position, but the timing, amid growing tensions in the Middle East, adds intrigue.

Whether it’s a reflection of caution or compliance, the sale suggests Connolly wasn’t looking to capitalize on any wartime premium, opting instead for a clean exit as the defense narrative takes center stage.

🧠 IONQ Chair Dumps $136M in Stock

On June 16, 2025, Peter Hume Chapman, Executive Chair of IonQ Inc., sold 3.58 million shares at $38.13 each, netting a total of $136.5 million. The sale was disclosed two days later via Form 4 with the SEC.

Chapman still holds a chunk of stock, but this move significantly reduced his stake—he now holds just 390,329 shares. IonQ, a leader in quantum computing, has seen growing excitement from institutional investors and government contracts alike. But it's also a space filled with volatility and high expectations.

This kind of sale from the top may be about diversification—or it’s signaling a more measured outlook in a sector where timelines for real revenue can stretch years. Either way, it’s a notable offload in one of tech’s most hyped frontiers.

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📱 Maple Capital Loads Up on Apple

On June 16, 2025, Maple Capital Management, Inc. disclosed a fresh increase in its position in Apple Inc. $AAPL ( ▲ 1.38% ) , adding shares at a trade-date price of $222.13 back on March 31. Their total holdings now stand at 509,560 shares.

Apple continues to navigate a tricky macro environment—supply chain uncertainties, regulatory pressures, and global demand shifts—but Maple Capital seems to still be a believer. The firm’s quiet accumulation suggests a longer-term bet on the tech giant’s resilience and innovation edge.

Even in a shaky market, Apple remains one of the most reliable pillars of investor confidence. And in times like these, that’s worth a lot.