Toward the end of 2024, shares of quantum computing stocks such as IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, Quantum Computing, and Rigetti Computing all experienced significant run-ups. Curiously, each of these companies was a penny stock at the beginning of 2024 -- only to see its valuation soar well into the billions during a rather short time period.

Trapped-ion quantum computing leader IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) is emerging as a potential leader in the commercialization of quantum computing through its trapped-ion technology approach. Unlike traditional superconducting quantum competitors,

Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum, the second- and fourth-biggest gainers in the Russell 3000 Index on Tuesday, were up 14% and 16%, respectively. Peers Quantum Computing and I

Quantum computing has suddenly become a buzzword on Wall Street. Ever since Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) reported that it hit a new milestone with Willow, its new quantum chip, quantum stocks have been soaring.

Rigetti (RGTI) is dropping 23%, while IonQ (IONQ) is giving back 10% and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), which disclosed today that it may sell more shares of its stock, is plunging nearly 30%. The sector is dropping sharply again after Meta (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg suggested that quantum computing would not be “practical” for a long time.

Though investors saw this as disappointing, there is some reassuring news. Quantum computing is progressing, meaning these companies will likely report accomplishments and milestones in the months and years to come -- and these represent catalysts for quantum computer stocks to climb.

Quantum stocks like Rigetti, IonQ and D-Wave Quantum saw steep losses after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said quantum computers are decades away.