Space and Defense Stocks Outlook for 2026: Rocket Lab, Lockheed, RTX, AST SpaceMobile and the Golden Dome Catalyst
Dec. 25, 2025 — Christmas Day is typically quiet for markets, and U.S. exchanges are closed today. But the news cycle around space and defense stocks is anything but sleepy, with investors using the holiday pause to digest a powerful mix of catalysts: missile defense moving into orbit, export-driven air-defense demand, and Washington scrutiny of contractor execution and shareholder payouts. Reuters What follows is a detailed look at the most important headlines, forecasts, and analyst takes circulating as of 25.12.2025, and what they could mean for the sector heading into 2026. A holiday market backdrop that still matters for space