Episode Summary
The SpaceX IPO is weeks away and could debut above $2 trillion β so where else can you invest in space? Simon digs into six listed space stocks, from Rocket Lab to Intuitive Machines, and weighs them against the Procure Space ETF (UFO). Plus, March delivered the JSE’s worst month since 2008, a massive petrol price hike is hours away, and a timely reminder that AI hype stocks can collapse as fast as they rise.
Thanks to Shyft and Standard Bank Global Markets Retail for sponsoring.
What We Cover ποΈ
– β½ Oil, gold and the rand β Brent at $113, gold at $4,580, rand at 17.13, and the search for an Iran off-ramp
– π JSE Top 40’s worst month since 2008 β down ~10% from all-time highs, but context matters
– π SpaceX IPO incoming β expected $1.5 trillion valuation, listing June/July
– π°οΈ Six space stocks reviewed β Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, Intuitive Machines, Firefly Aerospace, Planet Labs, Spire Global
– π Procure Space ETF (UFO) β the lazy way to play space, up 91% over one year
– β½ SA petrol price shock β massive increase at midnight, queues at pumps
– π‘ Investing in a falling market β don’t panic sell, but no rush to buy either
– β οΈ Algorithm Holdings (RIME) collapse β the AI hype stock that round-tripped back to $1
– π CrowdStrike* CEO sells $13m β why insider sales aren’t worth panicking over
Key Takeaways π‘
- The space economy is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035 (McKinsey), growing at 9.3% annually. SpaceX’s IPO will be the catalyst that brings mainstream attention to the sector β but most listed space stocks are unprofitable and priced on promise.
- Of the six space stocks reviewed, Rocket Lab (RKLB), Intuitive Machines (LUNR) and Firefly Aerospace (ALIT) stand out. The Procure Space ETF (UFO) offers diversification but comes with odd holdings like Comcast and Garmin.
- Find the report 2026.03.24_Space_Rocket_Industry_Research.
- The JSE Top 40 had its worst month since September 2008, falling ~10% from all-time highs. But that only takes it back to December levels β painful, not catastrophic. The key advice from multiple market commentators: don’t panic sell, and there is no rush to buy.
- Algorithm Holdings (RIME) went from $1 to $4.50 and back to $1 on AI logistics hype β a textbook reminder to be sceptical of sudden pivots.
Stocks & Markets Mentioned π
- RKLB β Rocket Lab β Full-stack space company, $600bn market cap, 21 launches in 2025 with 100% success, Neutron medium-lift rocket in development
- ASTS β AST SpaceMobile β Direct-to-phone satellite, unproven tech, 370x price-to-sales, testing with AT&T and Verizon
- LUNR β Intuitive Machines β NASA lunar lander partner, monopoly position on moon missions
- ALIT β Firefly Aerospace β Defence-focused launches, $3.7bn market cap, IPO pop faded
- PL β Planet Labs β Earth observation satellites, adjusted EBITDA positive, 30x revenue
- SPIR β Spire Global β Nano satellites for weather/maritime data, $400m market cap, not compelling
- UFO β Procure Space ETF β Broad space exposure, up 91% over one year, some odd holdings
- CRWD β CrowdStrike β CEO sold $13m of stock, Simon says don’t stress insider sales
- RIME β Algorithm Holdings β AI hype stock that collapsed from $4.50 back to $1
- Brent crude β $113.18 at time of recording
- Gold futures β $4,580
- USD/ZAR β 17.13
- JSE Top 40 β Worst month since Sept 2008, ~10% off highs, low of 98,000, Monday close 104,000
Listen & Subscribe π§
Available on all major podcast platforms. Visit JustOneLap.com for show notes and the downloadable space investing report.
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Wednesdays are all about hard-core investing and trading with Simon Brownβs WorldWide Markets podcast (previously JSE Direct). JSE Direct started life on ClassicFM in July 2008 and became a podcast in 2011. Every week Simon shares his views on the state of global economies, individual shares and events moving markets.
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