US stock indexes showed mixed movement early Thursday, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq composite experiencing slight declines. This drift occurred despite mixed economic data, including a rise in unemployment claims but also improved worker productivity and a shrinking trade deficit. Notably, defense company stocks, such as Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, surged significantly following President Trump's call for a sharp increase in military spending to $1.5 trillion by 2027.