Quantum Computing Stocks Heat Up Ahead of CES 2026

Investor focus has returned to the quantum computing sector. The upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2026 is generating significant buzz, primarily driven by announcements from competitor D-Wave Quantum. This sector-wide enthusiasm is creating a ripple effect, though shares of Rigetti Computing are experiencing a modest pullback in today's trading. Despite a strong weekly gain exceeding 9%, the stock is currently down slightly as the market carefully weighs long-term potential against present-day financial realities.

For investors, a core concern remains the stark disconnect between market valuations and current operational performance. The recent sector rally is fueled almost entirely by future expectations rather than present profitability.

Rigetti's third-quarter results underscore this challenge. The company reported revenue of just $1.9 million, which was overshadowed by a net loss of $201 million. This fundamental gap contributes to the stock's high susceptibility to sharp price swings, a characteristic reflected in its annualized volatility of over 98%.

Industry Momentum and Technical Factors

The current attention stems from D-Wave Quantum's plans to unveil new technologies at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, a move that sparked optimism among technology investors. Market observers note a clear "sympathy effect," where increased interest in one company spills over to the broader industry. Technical indicators have also played a recent role, with reports of unusually high activity in call options suggesting that traders are positioning for further gains across the quantum segment.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Rigetti?

Amid this positive industry sentiment, Rigetti's equity is taking a brief pause. The stock is trading at €22.30, marking a slight decline of 1.33%.

2026: A Pivotal Commercialization Deadline

Analysts view 2026 as a critical milestone for the technology's path to commercialization. According to its published roadmap, Rigetti is targeting the release of a system boasting over 150 qubits with a 99.7% fidelity rate by that year. This technical achievement is widely considered essential for transitioning from experimental research to practical, economically viable applications.

The race, however, is intensely competitive. Rigetti faces not only rivals like D-Wave and IonQ but also established technology giants such as Alphabet, which recently announced its "Willow" chip has achieved key benchmarks. Consequently, analysts urge caution regarding pure momentum-driven investments in the sector's smaller players.

All eyes are now on the CES event, which begins on January 7, 2026. With a competitor having already set the stage, the market is watching to see if Rigetti will use the platform to announce roadmap updates or new strategic partnerships.