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When SpaceX’s initial public offering debuted on June 12, it didn’t just break records — it shattered them. The highest-valued IPO in financial history raised over $75 billion, and the stock has been on a rollercoaster ride ever since.
Now, just weeks later, SpaceX is set to join the Nasdaq-100 index before markets open on July 7, 2026. That means millions of Americans will soon own SpaceX stock — whether they choose to or not.
Here’s what happened, why it matters for your retirement account, and what to watch next.
What Is the Nasdaq-100, and Why Does SpaceX’s Inclusion Matter?
The Nasdaq-100 is one of the most widely-tracked stock indexes in the world. It includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange — think Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and now SpaceX.
Under normal rules, newly-public companies must wait 12 months before they can be added to the index. But a recent Nasdaq rule change allowed Elon Musk to fast-track SpaceX’s inclusion, clearing the way for the company to join on July 7.
This is a big deal because:
- Index funds tracking the Nasdaq-100 (like QQQ) will be forced to buy SpaceX shares
- 401(k) and IRA accounts that follow the index will automatically include SpaceX
- Everyday investors who never chose to invest in SpaceX will now be exposed to its volatility
- SpaceX has consistently ranked among the top two most traded stocks each day since the IPO
Musk Became the World’s First Trillionaire (Then Lost It, Then Got It Back)
| Date | Event | Musk’s Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| June 12 (IPO day) | SpaceX debuts at $135/share | $1.05 trillion |
| June 16 (peak) | Stock hits $225.64 | $1.32 trillion |
| June 23 (dip) | Market sell-off | $957 billion |
| June 29 (recovery) | Stock rebounds to ~$170 | Back above $1 trillion |
Musk owns roughly 42% of SpaceX shares but controls 85% of voting power through super-voting shares, giving him virtually unchecked control over the company’s future.
Why This Matters for Everyday Investors
Senator Elizabeth Warren has urged the SEC to investigate the Nasdaq rule change, calling it a “dangerous precedent.” Critics argue that SpaceX — a company burning massive cash on AI data centers and Starship development — could introduce unnecessary risk into retirement accounts.
“These tech bros are using their immense market clout to jam these potentially volatile assets into millions of retirement accounts.”
— Jared Bernstein, former economic advisor
Avoiding this exposure may be difficult because index fund structures make it hard for individuals to opt out. When SpaceX enters the Nasdaq-100, any fund tracking that index — including those in your 401(k) — must buy the stock.
SpaceX at a Glance: Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| IPO Date | June 12, 2026 |
| IPO Price | $135/share |
| Funds Raised | $75+ billion (record) |
| Peak Price | $225.64 (June 16) |
| Recent Price (June 30) | ~$170 |
| Public Valuation | ~$2 trillion |
| Nasdaq-100 Entry | July 7, 2026 |
| Musk Voting Control | 85% |
What’s Next for SpaceX?
- Starship Development — Crewed Mars missions targeting 2029
- Starlink AI Nodes — Expanding the satellite constellation with on-orbit AI computing
- xAI Growth — Grok and AI server infrastructure expansion
- Nasdaq-100 Debut (July 7) — Auto-inclusion into millions of retirement accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my 401(k) automatically buy SpaceX stock?
If your 401(k) includes funds that track the Nasdaq-100 (like QQQ or similar ETFs), then yes — those funds will be required to purchase SpaceX shares when the company joins the index on July 7. Opting out may be difficult depending on your fund structure.
Is SpaceX stock a good investment?
SpaceX has ambitious revenue goals from Starlink, Starship, and xAI, but it’s also burning massive cash on R&D and infrastructure. Analysts warn of high volatility. As with any individual stock, do your own research or consult a financial advisor before investing.
How can I buy SpaceX stock directly?
SpaceX trades on the Nasdaq. You can buy shares through any standard brokerage account — Robinhood, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and others all offer access.
What was controversial about the Nasdaq rule change?
Normally, newly-public companies must wait 12 months before joining the Nasdaq-100. A recent rule change allowed SpaceX to bypass this waiting period, prompting criticism from Senator Elizabeth Warren and others who say it sets a “dangerous precedent” for future IPOs.
How volatile has SpaceX stock been since the IPO?
Extremely volatile. From the IPO price of $135, shares surged 19% to $161 on day one, peaked at $225.64 on June 16, then dropped to ~$154 by June 22 before recovering to ~$170. CNN reports SpaceX has been among the top two most traded stocks every day since the IPO.
Final Verdict: SpaceX joining the Nasdaq-100 on July 7 is a historic moment in finance. Whether you see it as opportunity or risk, one thing is certain — your investment portfolio may never look the same.
🚀 Buy it if you believe in Mars colonization, Starlink dominance, and AI growth.
⏭️ Skip it if you’re risk-averse and prefer stable, dividend-paying investments.
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