Quantum computing stocks surged on possibility of US stake in companies

Shares of several quantum computing firms, including IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave, surged on Thursday after the Wall Street Journal reported that the US government is considering equity stakes in the companies.

According to the report, discussions were underway to give the Commerce Department a stake in quantum computing companies in exchange for federal funding of at least $10 million per company. The department later denied that such negotiations were taking place.

However, the possibility of government involvement boosted IonQ and Quantum Computing stocks by over 7% yesterday. Rigetti and Arqit Quantum were up more than 10%, and D-Wave closed above 13%.

Analysts say this reflects an interventionist shift in US economic policy under President Donald Trump’s second term, with the government aiming to benefit from companies it funds.

Officials say the stakes target strategic industries like quantum computing, semiconductors, and rare earths to strengthen US security and compete with China in advanced technology sectors.

In August, the Trump administration poured $9 billion into struggling chipmaker Intel for a 10% equity stake. The company posted a strong Q3 recovery, reporting $4.1 billion in net income, ending its six-quarter losing streak.