New York, January 24, 2026, 10:46 (EST) — Market closed.
- Palantir shares ended Friday roughly 2.2% higher, closing at $169.60.
- A UK defence ministry notice revealed a £240.6 million contract with Palantir’s UK branch, covering April 2026 through March 2029.
- Investors are watching the Fed meeting set for Jan. 27-28 and Palantir’s earnings release on Feb. 2.
Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR.O) closed Friday up at $169.60, marking a volatile start to the year for the stock as U.S. markets head into the weekend shutdown. 1
This move is significant since Palantir has turned into a popular bet on both government tech budgets and the potential for “AI” software to generate steady revenue. With a packed earnings slate coming up on Wall Street, traders are quick to sell off anything that smells like hype without solid numbers to back it up.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence posted a contract notice revealing a £240.6 million agreement with Palantir Technologies UK, Ltd. The contract runs from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029. Described as a “direct award,” the deal bypassed a full competitive tender. A redacted version of the contract will be available upon request 90 days after the award date. 2
Palantir sells data-analysis and decision-support software to governments and corporations, while aggressively promoting its artificial intelligence products. Any hint of new defense contracts, even if the revenue is delayed, usually boosts confidence in its government pipeline.
Friday saw the Dow drop 0.58%, with the S&P 500 holding steady and the Nasdaq gaining 0.28%, wrapping up what Reuters called a volatile week for risk appetite. 3
Next week’s schedule will be the real test. “It’s been a short but intense roller-coaster,” said Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment strategist at PNC Financial Services Group, as focus shifts from geopolitical news back to earnings and interest rates. Chris Galipeau, senior market strategist at Franklin Templeton, cut to the chase: “earnings are the driver.” 4
For Palantir, the spotlight shifts to management’s comments on U.S. commercial customer demand, the speed of new government contracts, and whether margins can stay intact amid growth spending. These factors typically sway the stock more than any buzzwords.
Analyst attention remains high. On Jan. 22, Phillip Securities kicked off coverage of Palantir with a “Buy” rating, according to a Fintel report shared by Nasdaq. 5
But this can backfire quickly. The UK contract dates kick off in April, and with the public notice vague on details, investors might find it tough to gauge the near-term effects. Meanwhile, any slip in revenue or guidance could pack a punch, especially when the stock is valued for robust growth.
The Federal Reserve’s policy meeting on Jan. 27-28 is the next major event to watch. Shortly after, Palantir will report its Q4 and full-year earnings on Feb. 2, after U.S. markets close, with a webcast planned for 5 p.m. ET. 6
