Volume and momentum are clustering around names with fresh catalysts, tangible contracts, and visibility that extends beyond today’s tape and into after-hours and coming weeks. Here are the stocks setting the tone into the close.
Sidus Space (NASDAQ:SIDU) continues to follow through after igniting last week, firmly establishing itself as one of today’s most watched space-sector movers. The stock is benefiting from sustained interest in space and defense names that combine manufacturing capability, AI-driven data services, and government-facing contracts.
Unlike purely speculative space plays, Sidus operates across satellite manufacturing, mission management, AI/ML-driven space data, and defense hardware, with demonstrated space heritage through its LizzieSat® platform. Traders are viewing SIDU as a leverage play on increased defense spending, sovereign space initiatives, and demand for cost-effective, rapidly deployable space infrastructure. Strength into the close keeps SIDU squarely on breakout watch.
D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS) is back on radar following its announcement that it will showcase commercial quantum computing applications at CES 2026. While CES is months away, the market is reacting to the broader signal: quantum computing is no longer theoretical—it’s being marketed on the world’s largest tech stage.
D-Wave plans to highlight real-world customer success stories using its annealing quantum computers and hybrid quantum-classical solvers, emphasizing measurable benefits in manufacturing, supply chain optimization, materials science, and telecommunications. Management underscored that CES participation reflects how quantum is “quickly moving into the mainstream,” reinforcing QBTS as a name to watch not just today, but into 2026 as quantum, AI, and blockchain increasingly converge.
Starfighters Space (NYSE:FJET) remains in focus following its recent NYSE American debut, marking a rare transition from a Regulation A Tier 2 offering to a national exchange listing. The company raised $40 million to accelerate development of its STARLAUNCH I and II platforms, sub-orbital launch systems leveraging flight-ready F-104 supersonic aircraft.
The narrative here is speed, reusability, and backlog-driven growth. With launches planned out of Texas and a growing hypersonic R&D and testing platform, traders are watching for post-listing volatility and follow-on volume as institutions and retail alike digest this new aerospace entrant.
Hycroft Mining (NASDAQ:HYMC) is drawing renewed attention after reporting its highest-grade silver intercepts to date from the Vortex system at its Nevada operation. Drill results showing multiple intercepts ranging from 960 g/t to 1,545 g/t silver are materially changing the market’s perception of Hycroft’s asset base.
Management emphasized that Vortex remains open in all directions and at depth, with continuity improving as step-out drilling expands the system. With silver back in focus as both an industrial and monetary metal, HYMC is emerging as a high-beta exploration story with tangible data backing the upside narrative.