Shares of D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) are soaring 10.37% in pre-market trading on Friday, continuing a strong upward trend in the quantum computing sector. This significant jump follows a 5.28% increase in Thursday's after-hours trading, reflecting persistent investor optimism about potential U.S. government investment in quantum technologies.
The rally comes despite the Trump administration's recent denial of a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that the Commerce Department was currently negotiating equity stakes in quantum computing firms. However, the wording of the denial, which specified that negotiations were not "currently" taking place, has left room for speculation about future possibilities. This sentiment is further bolstered by ongoing discussions about the strategic importance of quantum computing for maintaining U.S. technological superiority, particularly in competition with China.
Investors appear to be focusing on the long-term potential of government support for the industry, rather than the immediate denial. The quantum computing sector, including companies like D-Wave, IonQ, and Rigetti Computing, is seen as crucial for advancing technological capabilities, despite the technology not yet being commercially viable. This persistent optimism, combined with the broader market trend favoring quantum computing stocks, continues to drive D-Wave's share price upward, even in the face of uncertainty about immediate government involvement.