SpaceX Begins Trading in Landmark $1.8 Trillion Listing

SpaceX has officially begun trading on public markets in a landmark $75 billion IPO that values the company at nearly $1.8 trillion—making Elon Musk a potential trillionaire. Despite being loss-making, the company’s debut sparked a party-like atmosphere at the NASDAQ, with Elon ringing the bell remotely and Elton John’s 'Rocketman' playing in the background. The stock opened at $175 per share, up from an initial $135, reflecting massive demand—350 billion in interest for just 75 billion in shares. Yet, the valuation raises serious questions: is this a visionary bet on the future of space travel, or a bubble fueled by Musk’s cult-like following? While institutional giants like BlackRock and sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait piled in, the real story may be less about SpaceX and more about Musk himself—whose near-total control (80% voting power) shields him from shareholder pressure, even as he becomes one of the wealthiest people in history. Critics warn of risks in a company with a $5 billion deficit and no path to profitability, but supporters argue Musk uniquely sells the future—and has delivered before. This isn’t just an IPO; it’s a test of whether markets will reward vision over profit. The episode also reveals a deeper irony: while SpaceX’s public debut is framed as a financial milestone, the real driver may be the personal brand of Elon Musk. Investors aren’t just buying rockets—they’re betting on a man who has repeatedly turned sci-fi into reality.