Rocket Lab USA, Inc. - Common Stock (RKLB)

Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors' favorite stocks over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.

Rocket Lab USA Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) has secured a major defense contract from Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) to perform a hypersonic flight test for the U.S. Department of Defense. Scheduled for early 2026, the mission supports MACH-TB 2.0, a $1.45 billion program aimed at fast-tracking hypersonic weapons development and testing.

Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) shares are trading higher Thursday after the company announced it was selected by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc (NASDAQ:KTOS) to provide a hypersonic test flight for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

Rocket Lab announced that it was selected for a major Department of Defense hypersonic test flight under the $1.45 billion MACH-TB 2.0 program.

The reusable orbital rocket maker could blast off over the next few years.

A number of stocks jumped in the morning session after President Trump clarified that he had no intention of removing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a statement that helped calm markets. Earlier remarks had sparked fears of political interference in decision making at the central bank. With Trump walking back his earlier comments, investors likely felt more assured that monetary policy decisions would continue to be guided by data, not drama. That kept the Fed's word credible, and more importantly, gave investors a steadier compass to figure out where rates and the markets were headed next. 

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after President Trump criticized the Federal Reserve's approach to interest rate cuts, warning that the pace was slow and could hinder economic growth. Trump's comments added pressure to an already sensitive market, raising concerns about political interference in monetary policy. 

Stocks were down in a shortened trading week, and tariffs will continue to take center stage as several key companies report earnings

A new market has opened up for Rocket Lab.

The past six months have been a windfall for Rocket Lab’s shareholders. The company’s stock price has jumped 83.2%, hitting $19.80 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

RKLB announced on Monday that it had been selected for two major hypersonic defense programs, opening the door to multi-billion-dollar contracts.

The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how aerospace stocks fared in Q4, starting with Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB).

Allegro MicroSystems (NASDAQ:ALGM): Chip designer Allegro MicroSystems (NASDAQ:ALGM) Allegro MicroSystems fell by 13.4% on Monday after ON Semiconductor withdrew its proposal to acquire the company. See our full article here.

Shares of aerospace and defense company Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) jumped 13.1% in the morning session after the company announced it was selected to provide hypersonic test launch capabilities through its HASTE launch vehicle, along with other related services, under two multi-billion-dollar government development programs for the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Shares of end-to-end space company Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) are moving higher Tuesday after the company announced its inclusion in two separate multi-billion dollar defense contracts.