Rigetti Computing Plunges 5 9 Amid Quantum Computing Volatility What

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Jan 2, 2026, 9:20 PM

rigetti computing plunges 5 9 amid quantum computing volatility what

Daily stocks & crypto headlines, free to your inbox By continuing, I agree to the Market Data Terms of Service and Privacy Statement Quantum computing exploded onto the investment scene in late 2024, igniting a frenzy that propelled pure-play stocks to astronomical heights. Rigetti Computing (RGTI) emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries, with shares rocketing over 800% in a single month amid breakthrough announcements and surging optimism. Over the past three years, RGTI has delivered staggering gains of more than 3,200%, and at its peak, the stock was up over 8,200% from historic lows. Early investors have undeniably struck a rich motherlode, turning modest bets into life-changing wealth.

Yet for those new to the quantum sector, the ride has been brutal. On Friday, RGTI tumbled almost 9% to close 61% below its October high of $58, erasing much of the year's explosive gains. This pullback mirrors broader pain across quantum stocks like IonQ (IONQ) and D-Wave (QBTS), which have also plunged sharply after similar booms and busts. With the entire sector reeling, investors need to ask: Is the hype surrounding quantum computing finally over – and is RGTI still a buy? Quantum computing harnesses principles of quantum mechanics, using qubits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition) and become entangled. Unlike classical bits limited to 0 or 1, this enables quantum systems to explore vast solutions exponentially faster for certain problems.

The potential is transformative: faster drug discovery by simulating molecules, optimized financial models, unbreakable encryption breakthroughs, and efficient logistics routing. Quantum could reshape industries from pharmaceuticals to materials science, unlocking solutions classical computers can't touch in reasonable time. Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI) is back in its natural habitat on Tuesday, December 23, 2025: dramatic price action. After a sharp rally to start the holiday week, RGTI stock pulled back mid-session, underscoring just how sentiment-driven the “pure-play” quantum trade can be when liquidity thins and headlines multiply. As of 1:58 p.m.

ET (18:58 UTC), Rigetti shares traded at $25.25, down $1.63 (-6.06%) on the day, after opening at $25.83 and trading between $25.10 and $26.82. That drop follows Monday’s surge—an about-face that’s quickly become a motif for quantum computing stocks in 2025. Monday’s move in quantum names was widely described as a broad “risk-on” burst: several publicly traded quantum firms posted double-digit gains, and Rigetti was among the standouts. A market recap published today characterized Rigetti’s Monday session as a 13.13% gain to $26.88. Insider Monkey By Tuesday morning, the tone flipped toward profit-taking, with at least one outlet describing a “soar-then-fall” pattern across D-Wave, Rigetti, and IonQ during the holiday week.

Fast Company Rigetti Computing Inc (NASDAQ:RGTI) is trading lower Friday afternoon, marking a reversal after a surge earlier in the week driven by retail momentum and sector-wide optimism. The recent volatility comes amid a classic Santa Rally, where retail investors earlier this week rotated into high-beta quantum stocks while institutional trading desks thin out for the holidays. What To Know: Earlier gains this week were fueled by a wave of social media sentiment focused on Rigetti’s 2026 roadmap, which promises higher-qubit systems and significantly lower error rates. This retail interest was compounded by a halo effect from peers like IonQ and D-Wave, which also saw spikes following strategic milestones and bullish analyst coverage. Notably, Wedbush recently initiated coverage on Rigetti with an Outperform rating and a $35 price target, citing the company’s advanced chiplets and vertically integrated production capabilities as key differentiators.

Market observers note that this week’s price action fits the pattern of a “Holiday Gap,” where lower trading volumes between Dec. 20 and New Year’s allow retail sentiment to move small-cap stocks more aggressively. While retail investors likely drove the stock higher earlier in the week on the belief that the “quantum age” could arrive by 2026, Friday’s downturn suggests a pause in the momentum as the holiday... Technical AnalysisRigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI) closed at $7.72 on April 8, 2025, representing a 7.32% decline on the day. The stock's recent low was $7.525, and its high reached $8.96.

With a year high of $21.42 and a year low of $0.66, RGTI has experienced significant volatility. The stock's 50-day moving average is $10.07, while its 200-day moving average stands at $5.08, suggesting that short-term price momentum has been unfavorable. A Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 34 indicates that the stock is approaching oversold territory, possibly signaling a buying opportunity. However, the Average True Range (ATR) of 14.83 suggests high volatility, which could lead to further short-term fluctuations.Fundamental AnalysisAt a market capitalization of approximately $2.21 billion, Rigetti Computing continues to attract attention despite negative... The company's recent plunge in share price through Q1 2025 reflects investor concern, but news of involvement in a Department of Defense program suggests underlying value and potential catalysts for future growth. Analysts have a consensus "Buy" rating with a target median price of $3.

However, it's notable that the discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis estimates a value of -$2.57, raising concerns about intrinsic value relative to current price levels.Short-Term Performance Prediction For the next trading day (April 9, 2025), RGTI may experience further volatility as the RSI indicates potential oversold conditions, though further price corrections to the downside are also possible given the high ATR. Demand generated by recent positive announcements may provide support, but the immediate resistance at $8.51 could cap gains.In the upcoming week, Rigetti Computing's performance will likely depend on investor response to recent governmental contract... Continued sector momentum in quantum computing could prompt some recovery; however, market sentiment remains fragile given previous declines and pending earnings announcements on May 8, 2025.Long-Term Investment PotentialThough RGTI is part of a burgeoning... The negative DCF suggests that, fundamentally, the company's current valuation does not align with its financial position. Nonetheless, strategic government partnerships and the inherently disruptive potential of quantum technology provide a bullish narrative for patient investors.Overall EvaluationGiven the blend of positive industry outlook and concerning financial metrics, RGTI falls into a...

While the stock possesses significant potential for those with a long-term horizon and an appetite for risk, short-term volatility and financial instability suggest caution. Positive developments and sectoral interest provide upside potential, but unresolved structural challenges caution against aggressive acquisition. StockInvest.us is a research service that provides financial data and technical analysis of publicly traded stocks. All users should speak with their financial advisor before buying or selling any securities. Users should not base their investment decision upon StockInvest.us. By using the site you agree and are held liable for your own investment decisions and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Please read the full disclaimer here. You may use StockInvest.us and the contents contained in StockInvest.us solely for your own individual non-commercial and informational purposes only. Any other use, including for any commercial purposes, is strictly prohibited without our express prior written consent. Systematic retrieval of data or other content from StockInvest.us, whether to create or compile, post to other websites, directly or indirectly, as text, video or audio, a collection, compilation, database or directory, is prohibited... The quantum computing sector is generating significant buzz in the financial markets, driving substantial stock volatility for companies like Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI). In recent weeks, Rigetti’s shares have experienced dramatic fluctuations, culminating in a 29.69% surge last week, climbing from $7.22 to $9.37.

This upward trajectory followed the unveiling of Rigetti’s innovative Novera quantum processor and coincided with significant industry developments from major players such as Google. This confluence of events has fueled investor interest and speculation in the quantum computing space. The global quantum computing market, currently valued at $1.3 billion, is projected to expand at an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.7%, reaching an estimated $5.3 billion by 2029. This rapid growth forecast positions companies like Rigetti to potentially reap significant benefits, particularly given its strategic focus on providing advanced quantum computing resources. The projected market growth creates a fertile ground for companies operating in this nascent field. Despite Rigetti’s remarkable 543% stock surge this month, analysts urge caution, emphasizing the need for patience and a long-term perspective.

As Joseph Parrish astutely observed, “Rigetti has planted promising seeds for making quantum computing accessible, but it’s likely these possibilities will only materialize by the decade’s end, accompanied by substantial risks tied to funding... Rigetti is not alone in experiencing significant stock fluctuations. Other quantum computing companies have also witnessed notable gains. D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS) has seen a staggering 275% increase this month, while IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) has risen by a more moderate but still substantial 52%. Within this volatile landscape, IonQ stands out as a comparatively stable investment, primarily due to its debt-free financial status and substantial cash reserves of $360 million. This financial stability provides IonQ with a buffer against market fluctuations and allows for continued investment in research and development.

Analysts identify IonQ’s superior technology and established roadmap as key competitive advantages, further bolstered by its availability across major cloud providers. This accessibility through cloud platforms broadens IonQ’s potential customer base and strengthens its market position. This contrast between Rigetti and IonQ illustrates the varying risk profiles within the quantum computing sector.

Rigetti Computing Plunges 5 9 Amid Quantum Computing Volatility What

People Also Search

Daily Stocks & Crypto Headlines, Free To Your Inbox By

Yet For Those New To The Quantum Sector, The Ride

The Potential Is Transformative: Faster Drug Discovery By Simulating Molecules,

ET (18:58 UTC), Rigetti Shares Traded At $25.25, Down $1.63

Fast Company Rigetti Computing Inc (NASDAQ:RGTI) Is Trading Lower Friday