Quantum Computing Stocks Off To Good Start In 2026. But Fasten Your Seat Belts.
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Quantum computing stocks are off to a good start in 2026, climbing on the first three trading sessions. While a ChatGPT-like moment for the emerging technology is unlikely this year, here's a look at news developments that could move quantum stocks. Technology giants like IBM (IBM), Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google and Microsoft (MSFT) will again vie with quantum startups and pure play public companies for bragging rights to quantum advances. 1/100:10What Is A Quantum Computer?
Skip Ad Continue watchingWhat Is A Quantum Computer?after the adVisit Advertiser websiteGO TO PAGE ↑ NOW PLAYING What Is A Quantum Computer? The video player is currently playing an ad. You can skip the ad in 5 sec with a mouse or keyboardWhat Is A Quantum Computer?See All Videos Quantum computing works on a subatomic level and uses exotic technologies, like supercold superconductor chips. Further, quantum computing aims to solve problems too complex for today's classical computers, such as simulating chemical reactions. Traditional computers use electronic circuits to store information as digital zeros and ones. Instead, quantum machines rely on processors known as "qubits." Market research firm Global Quantum Intelligence forecasts that a "peer group of quantum primes," or Tier 1 leaders, will emerge in 2026.
Quantum Computing Stocks: Acquisitions Likely "Right now there is a lot of disagreement within the industry about who the leaders really are," Doug Finke, GQI's chief content officer told IBD. "But a year from now we think that will become more apparent as some of the providers pull out ahead of the pack." "Some of the smaller companies have the potential to make some very interesting announcements in 2026 that may put them in the first tier," he added. More acquisitions are likely. IonQ's (IONQ) acquisition spree in 2025 included Oxford Ionics, Lightsynq, Capella and Vector Atomic. Google, meanwhile, purchased Atlantic Quantum. Among public quantum companies, D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) has built up a sizable cash balance for possible acquisitions. In 2026, as with many technology sectors, the Trump administration looms as a wild card. The IBD Methodology: How To Invest In Stocks While Managing Risks A boost for quantum computing stocks could come from Trump administration initiatives to keep the U.S. ahead of China in quantum technology, similar to artificial intelligence. According to Semafor, a Trump executive order on quantum computing is likely. The order would focus on beefing up the national supply chain by removing any bottlenecks to progress. And, quantum will become big part of Trump's Genesis Mission, aimed at using AI to advance science. The Trump administration has invested directly in strategic technology areas, such as semiconductors. That could happen with quantum computing as well. U.S.
Government Buys Stakes? At Wedbush, analyst Daniel Ives in a recent report speculated that IonQ and Rigetti Computing (RGTI) are candidates for U.S. government investment. Then, there's the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a program aimed at assessing the feasibility of developing industrially useful quantum computers. In late 2025, Darpa chose 11 firms to advance to the second stage of the QBI. Join IBD Live For Stock Ideas Each Morning Before The Open They included IBM, IonQ, Atom Computing, Diraq, Nord Quantique, Photonic, Xanadu, Quantinuum, Quantum Motion, QuEra Computing, Silicon Quantum Computing and Xanadu. Microsoft has a quantum partnership with Atom Computing. Photonic quantum computing firm Xanadu plans to become a public company in 2026. In late 2026, Darpa is expected to pick companies that will advance to stage three of the QBI program. Quantum computing stocks have been volatile since late 2024 when a Google announcement sparked a big rally. Most quantum stocks peaked around October last year. So far in 2026, D-Wave stock has advanced 19%, while IonQ stock has gained about 13%. Rigetti shares have climbed roughly 15%. Quantum Computing (QUBT) has popped about 18%. One reason for volatility in quantum computing stocks has been uncertainty over commercialization and competition from tech industry giants. Nvidia (NVDA) has offered differing views. Quantum stocks plunged on Jan. 8, 2025 when Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang made comments at CES in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, speakers at this year's CES include executives from IBM, IonQ and Quantinuum. Honeywell (HON) owns a majority stake in Quantinuum.
Quantum Computing Stocks 2025 Stock Gain or Loss 2025 Correction From 52 Week High D-Wave Quantum QBTS 211% minus 44% IonQ IONQ 7% minus 47% Rigetti Computing RGTI 45% minus 62% Quantum Computing QUBT minus 38% minus 60% Follow Reinhardt Krause on X, formerly Twitter, @reinhardtk_tech for updates on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing.