Nuclear Weapons: Investments in Production are Increasing

Investments in the production of nuclear weapons are increasing significantly, according to a report by ICAN and PAX. The study, titled "Don't Bank on the Bomb," reveals that 301 financial institutions have invested in companies that manufacture or modernize the nuclear arsenals of the nine countries that possess such weapons.

The number of investors increased by 15% compared to the previous report, reversing a multi-year trend of decline. ICAN's Susi Snyder warns of the risk of escalation and increasing profits from an arms race.

The nine countries possessing nuclear weapons (Russia, USA, China, France, Britain, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea) are modernizing or developing their arsenals. The report also mentions increasing pressure from governments, especially in Europe, on investors to disregard ethical concerns and invest in arms industries.

The three main investors are US funds Vanguard, BlackRock, and Capital Group. During the analyzed period, investors held over $709 billion in shares and securities in companies producing nuclear weapons.

Almost $300 billion was granted in the form of loans or guarantees to these companies. The three main lenders are Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup.