President Trump’s latest push into quantum computing is arriving at an interesting moment. Global technology stocks are under pressure, with weakness spreading across markets overseas and into U.S. premarket trading. Yet one corner of the tech sector is moving in the opposite direction.
Quantum computing stocks are posting gains despite the broader sell-off. According to premarket trading data, D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS) is up 4%, Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) is gaining 2%, IonQ (NYSE:IONQ | IONQ Price Prediction) is rising 1%, and IBM (NYSE:IBM) has advanced 4.5% so far.
The catalyst is Washington’s growing commitment to quantum technology. President Trump just signed two executive orders designed to accelerate development of advanced quantum systems while preparing the government for the security challenges those systems may create.
Trump Accelerates the Quantum Race
Trump’s first executive order directs federal agencies to work with private industry and academic institutions to deploy a quantum computer capable of supporting scientific research by 2028.
The second order recognizes a different reality: quantum computers may soon become powerful enough to crack many forms of traditional encryption. Federal agencies and security experts are being directed to prepare for that possibility sooner than previously expected.
The orders arrive alongside billions of dollars in Commerce Department funding earmarked for quantum-related companies. They also build on a separate $2 billion federal investment initiative spread across nine quantum computing stocks, with IBM receiving roughly half of that funding.
The message is clear: Artificial intelligence may dominate today’s headlines, but quantum computing is becoming a strategic national priority.
For investors, government support matters because quantum computing remains an emerging industry with limited commercial revenue today. Federal contracts and research funding help bridge the gap between promising technology and profitable businesses.
Why IBM Stands Out From the Crowd
Many quantum stocks remain speculative. Most generate limited revenue and continue operating at losses while developing their technology.
IBM is different. The company generated nearly $69 billion in revenue over the last 12 months and remains profitable across its software, consulting, and infrastructure businesses. Quantum computing is only one part of a much larger enterprise.
Here’s how several major quantum players compare:
| Company | Approximate Premarket Move | Business Profile |
| IBM | +4.5% | Diversified technology leader with profitable operations |
| IonQ | +1% | Pure-play quantum company with commercial partnerships |
| D-Wave Quantum | +4% | Focused on quantum annealing systems |
| Rigetti Computing | +2% | Early-stage quantum hardware developer |
To be clear, IBM isn’t likely to deliver the explosive upside some smaller quantum names might generate. But it also carries far less financial risk. That’s an attractive combination in a sector where many companies are still proving their business models.
That said, IonQ deserves consideration as a runner-up. The company is widely viewed as one of the leaders among pure-play quantum firms and has established partnerships across government and enterprise markets. If investors want more direct exposure to the technology itself, IonQ appears ahead of many competitors.
Why the Quantum ETF Isn’t Following the Stocks Higher
Surprisingly, the Corgi Quantum Computing ETF (NASDAQ:CQTM) is down about 2% in premarket trading even as several leading quantum stocks gained. Similarly, The Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ:QTUM) is down 2.6%. The reason comes down to portfolio construction.
According to the fund’s fact sheet, Corgi owns 18 stocks tied to the quantum computing industry. Its largest positions include IonQ and D-Wave Quantum, which each account for roughly 20% of assets. IBM, despite today’s strong move, represents only about 4% of the portfolio and ranks as the fund’s ninth-largest holding.
The ETF also owns smaller quantum companies that aren’t participating in today’s rally. Meanwhile, Honeywell (NASDAQ:HON), its seventh-largest position, was trading modestly lower.
ETFs are often marketed as a safer way to gain exposure to emerging industries. In this case, diversification is muting the impact of the sector’s biggest winners.
Key Takeaway
Trump’s executive orders and new federal funding commitments are giving quantum computing stocks a boost even as the broader technology sector weakens. The long-term opportunity remains speculative, but government support is becoming increasingly tangible.
For investors seeking exposure, IBM stands out because it combines quantum leadership with a profitable, established business generating tens of billions of dollars in annual revenue. IonQ remains an intriguing alternative for investors willing to accept more risk in exchange for potentially greater upside.
Ultimately, quantum computing is still in its early innings. In a sector where many companies are years away from consistent profitability, the biggest and most financially secure player may offer the most attractive risk-reward balance.
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