Key Takeaways
- SpaceX (SPCX) officially debuted on the Nasdaq at $150 per share, an 11% jump from its $135 IPO price, reaching a market valuation of $1.96 trillion.
- Elon Musk has become the world’s first trillionaire on paper, driven by the surge in SpaceX's valuation and his significant equity stake in the aerospace giant.
- The Nasdaq 100 (NDX) wiped out an earlier 0.9% gain, turning negative despite the historic SpaceX listing as broader market volatility took hold.
- European markets showed strong momentum, with Spain’s IBEX (^IBEX) leading major indices with a 2.46% increase.
- Geopolitical tensions rose as Israel’s military reported sirens for hostile aircraft invading several northern areas, adding to global market uncertainty.
SpaceX Makes Historic Nasdaq Debut
SpaceX (SPCX) completed the largest initial public offering in history on Friday, June 12, 2026, raising $75 billion. After being priced at $135 per share, the stock saw intense volatility in the pre-market auction, with indications fluctuating between $150 and $170.
The shares eventually opened for trading at $150, an 11% premium over the IPO price. Shortly after the open, the stock climbed to $151.20, representing a 12% gain and pushing the company’s market capitalization to a staggering $1.96 trillion.
Elon Musk Reaches Trillionaire Milestone
The successful public debut of SpaceX has officially propelled Elon Musk into the record books as the world's first trillionaire. Analysts noted that Musk’s net worth crossed the $1 trillion threshold as SpaceX shares held their gains above the opening price.
This milestone is a result of Musk's massive holdings in both SpaceX and Tesla (TSLA), combined with his interests in xAI and other ventures. Market observers suggest this valuation reflects investor confidence in the future of the space economy and Starlink’s global satellite dominance.
Nasdaq Volatility and Global Market Performance
Despite the hype surrounding SpaceX, the broader Nasdaq 100 (NDX) struggled to maintain its momentum. After an initial rally of 0.9%, the index reversed course, wiping out all earlier gains by midday.
In contrast, European markets enjoyed a robust session. Britain’s FTSE 100 (^FTSE) rose 1.52%, Germany’s DAX (^GDAXI) gained 1.66%, and France’s CAC 40 (^FCHI) climbed 1.73%. Spain’s IBEX outperformed its peers with a significant 2.46% jump.
Geopolitical Tensions in Northern Israel
Market sentiment was further complicated by reports from Israel's military regarding hostile aircraft sirens in northern regions. The alerts indicated potential incursions into several areas, contributing to a risk-off environment that likely played a role in the Nasdaq's intraday reversal.
Investors remain cautious as they weigh the historic success of the SpaceX IPO against ongoing geopolitical instability and shifting macroeconomic conditions. The final hour of trading, particularly the "Claman Countdown," is expected to be critical for determining the market's direction heading into the weekend.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.