Rocket Lab shares advanced 5.95% to $76.63 during Monday's afternoon session, recovering from earlier volatility that saw the stock swing between $70.75 and $76.78. Trading activity was elevated with approximately 13.9 million shares changing hands.
The company's stock has demonstrated significant volatility over the past year, trading between $14.71 and $99.58 per share. This movement reflects Rocket Lab's sensitivity to broader market sentiment and interest rate fluctuations, positioning it as a barometer for risk appetite in the space sector.
Market attention now shifts to the company's scheduled fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings report on February 26. Investors are particularly focused on any developments regarding the Neutron rocket program, following a previous test issue with the Stage 1 tank that prompted the company to delay its timeline update to this earnings call.
The broader technology sector provided support on Monday, with market participants engaging in what analysts characterized as typical dip-buying behavior. This comes ahead of key economic data releases later in the week, including U.S. payroll figures and consumer price inflation numbers.
Other space-related equities also moved higher during the session. AST SpaceMobile edged up approximately 0.6%, while Intuitive Machines jumped nearly 13% and Virgin Galactic gained about 5.5%.
Rocket Lab's recent performance has been turbulent. The stock rose over 9% in the previous session after declining in six of the prior ten trading days. Last week, shares dropped more than 7% following congressional decisions regarding Mars mission funding.
The company's fundamental outlook remains supported by substantial government contracts, including an $816 million award from the U.S. Space Development Agency in December to develop 18 satellites for missile defense. However, execution risks persist, particularly regarding Neutron's development schedule and the company's ability to meet financial targets.
