Quantum computing stocks soar, then fall, in holiday week trading. What's up with D-Wave, Rigetti, and IonQ? - Fast Company

Quantum computing stocks D-Wave, Rigetti, and IonQ experienced extreme volatility during holiday-week trading, surging up to 30% before sharply reversing losses amid thin market liquidity and speculative bets. D-Wave led gains after announcing a breakthrough in quantum annealing for logistics optimization, though skepticism over near-term commercial viability triggered sell-offs within 48 hours. Rigetti’s stock spiked following its partnership with a U.S. defense contractor for hybrid quantum-classical systems, but profit-taking erased gains as analysts questioned its cash burn rate. IonQ’s volatility stemmed from mixed reactions to its trapped-ion qubit milestone, with investors divided over whether the tech justifies its $1B+ valuation amid delayed revenue projections. The swings highlight quantum computing’s high-risk profile: hype-driven rallies clash with fundamental challenges like scalability, funding gaps, and unclear paths to profitability.