Today’s Top Stories: AeroVironment, GameStop, and Google Lead a Wild Day on Wall Street

TLDR

• Google and SpaceX are in talks to use rocket launches to support orbital data centers tied to Project Suncatcher
• Quantum computing stocks QUBT, RGTI, and QBTS are trending on revenue growth and retail trader interest
• AeroVironment secured a $43 million defense contract for its PANTHER antenna system
• eBay rejected GameStop’s $56 billion takeover bid, calling it “neither credible nor attractive”
• Cathie Wood’s ARKK ETF holds 46 stocks with Tesla, AMD, and others leading its top positions

Google and SpaceX are reportedly in talks about using SpaceX rocket launches to support orbital data centers. The discussions connect to Google’s Project Suncatcher, which is targeting prototype satellites by early 2027.

The idea is still in early stages. But it shows how far Big Tech is willing to go to solve AI infrastructure problems, including power, cooling, and data-center space. Putting some of that infrastructure in orbit could allow the use of solar power and space-based systems to meet rising demand.

The story touches several major investment themes at once. That includes AI infrastructure, cloud computing, satellites, and names like Nvidia, Rocket Lab, and CoreWeave as potential indirect beneficiaries.

Quantum Computing Stocks Stay in Focus

Quantum Computing Inc., Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum have all been trending. Retail traders are paying attention to the sector as an early-stage tech theme beyond AI.

Quantum Computing Inc. reported a sharp jump in first-quarter revenue. Rigetti also posted revenue growth and highlighted progress on its quantum systems. D-Wave is known for its commercial bookings and quantum annealing approach.

The sector is still speculative. These are small, volatile companies that are far from consistent profitability. But they offer exposure to technology that could one day affect AI, cybersecurity, finance, drug discovery, and logistics.

AeroVironment Wins $43 Million Defense Contract

AeroVironment secured a three-year, $43 million contract to integrate its PANTHER phased-array antenna system on Department of War SkyRange platforms. Shares rose on the news.

The company is already known for unmanned systems and tactical defense technology. This contract gives investors a clear catalyst at a time when defense spending remains elevated globally.

GameStop’s $56 Billion eBay Bid Gets Rejected

eBay rejected GameStop’s $56 billion takeover bid, calling it “neither credible nor attractive.” Reuters reported that eBay raised concerns about financing, long-term growth, and deal structure.

GameStop had reportedly built a 5% stake in eBay and proposed using cash, stock, and debt to fund the deal. The bid was unusual given that GameStop is much smaller than eBay. The story centers on Ryan Cohen’s effort to reshape GameStop’s direction.

Cathie Wood’s ARKK Portfolio in Focus

ARK Innovation ETF holds 46 stocks, with Tesla, Advanced Micro Devices, Circle Internet Group, CRISPR Therapeutics, and Tempus AI among the top positions. The top 10 holdings make up more than half the portfolio.

That concentration makes ARKK a useful signal for where Cathie Wood sees long-term innovation. It also makes the fund more volatile than broad market ETFs, moving sharply in both directions depending on growth stock sentiment.

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