Breakfast News: RKLB Slips After Launch Delay
January 22, 2026
| Wednesday's Markets |
|---|
| S&P 500 6,876 (+1.16%) |
| Nasdaq 23,225 (+1.18%) |
| Dow 49,077 (+1.21%) |
| Bitcoin $90,142 (+0.64%) |
Source: Image created by Jester AI.
1. RKLB Falls on Neutron Test Failure
Rocket Lab (RKLB 5.32%) fell as much as 8% before recouping some losses ahead of the opening bell after testing issues with the Neutron Stage 1 tank meant a further postponement of the launch schedule.
- "Qualification testing...resulted in a rupture during a hydrostatic pressure trial": A company statement noted testing failures aren't uncommon, as parts are intentionally pushed to the limits and beyond. The rest of the test data is currently being reviewed.
- Beating the S&P 500 by 94% since August 2025's Stock Advisor recommendation by Team Hidden Gems: Investors have been optimistic about what would be a huge commercial breakthrough with regards to the project, with focus now turning to an update on the revised launch schedule during the February earnings report.
2. Stocks Surge as Trump Drops Tariffs
The S&P 500 closed over 1% higher yesterday, with futures contracts up a further 0.6% early Thursday, as President Trump confirmed a "framework" agreement had been reached over Greenland, and backed down on imposing fresh tariffs on European nations.
- "It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and to minerals": Trump didn't give many details on what was involved in the deal, but the de-escalation of trade tensions helped to push global equities higher.
- The energy sector led the way with 2.38% daily gain: All sectors within the market rallied, with the move higher in oil and gas prices helping ExxonMobil (XOM 0.86%) hit fresh 52-week highs.
3. Earnings and PCE Data Lead Thursday
Intel (INTC 0.23%) reports after the closing bell, with progress in the foundry market highly anticipated. Speaking last month, Motley Fool CEO and co-founder Tom Gardner said the "AI boom is a golden opportunity for Intel to build a viable competitor to the market leader."
- Consumer staples earnings in the spotlight: McCormick (MKC 6.49%) fell 5% in pre-market trading following mixed Q4 results, beating revenue but missing on earnings. Procter & Gamble (PG +2.60%) also releases earnings before the market opens, as investors indirectly assess the financial health of consumers from company revenue.
- CME FedWatch tool assigns 95% probability for no January rate move: The Fed's preferred inflation gauge, Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), is due out today for October and November, the last inflation metric before the central bank meeting next week. The November expectation is 2.8%, the same as September.
4. Your Take
TMF co-founder David Gardner popularized the concept of a 'sleep number' – the maximum percentage of a stock you can hold in your portfolio and still "sleep soundly at night."
What's your sleep number and, importantly, why?
Discuss with friends and family, or become a member to hear what your fellow Fools are saying!
