Institutional investors were big buyers of quantum computing pure-play stocks in the September-ended quarter, with IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. all seeing significant increases in shares held by 13F filers. These stocks have seen impressive rallies over the past year, but historical headwinds may pose risks for the technology’s future growth potential.

While artificial intelligence has been a dominant trend on Wall Street, quantum computing stocks like IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. have outperformed AI stocks in 2025. These stocks have seen triple-digit gains and are expected to deliver substantial sales growth in 2026, with the potential to create up to $850 billion in global economic value by 2040.

Institutional investors have been actively buying into quantum computing stocks, attracted by the game-changing applications and potential growth opportunities in the sector. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft are incorporating quantum computers into their cloud infrastructure services, allowing subscribers access to specialized computers from IonQ and Rigetti. However, the high valuations and historical trends of technology bubbles raise concerns about the sustainability of these gains.

Despite the excitement surrounding quantum computing and the potential for significant economic value creation, the high valuations of stocks like IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. may indicate a bubble in the making. Historical precedent suggests that investors tend to overestimate the early adoption and utility of new technologies, leading to eventual market corrections. The pricey valuations and early stage advantages of these stocks could leave investors vulnerable to significant losses in the future.

Read more at Nasdaq: Institutional Investors Piled Into IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. Stocks — and They’ll Likely Regret It