Rigetti stock catapulted 42.22%: Why it’s so volatile

Rigetti Computing ($RGTI) shares catapulted 42.22% on January 21, 2025, closing at $13.98, following a volatile month marked by sharp declines and speculative rebounds in the quantum computing sector. In pre-market trading, the stock gained another 3.93%, reaching $14.53, signaling strong investor interest after recent developments in quantum technology.

On January 8, Rigetti shares suffered a severe 40% plunge following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s comments suggesting practical quantum computing solutions could be 15 to 30 years away. This statement triggered a sector-wide selloff, with Rigetti and its peers, such as IonQ and D-Wave Quantum, facing significant declines. By January 9, Rigetti’s stock plummeted an additional 45%, closing at $10.04. Analysts had already warned of overvaluation, highlighting the risks associated with speculative enthusiasm in the sector.

Despite this, Rigetti rebounded significantly in the latter half of January. Nvidia’s first-ever ‘Quantum Day’ at its 2025 GPU Technology Conference reignited investor confidence, sparking a 22% surge in Rigetti’s shares on January 16. This momentum has continued, bolstered by Rigetti’s robust advancements, such as the release of the Ankaa-3 quantum system in late 2024. These innovations underscore the company’s potential as a leader in quantum computing technology.

Analyst Craig Ellis of B. Riley recently raised his price target on Rigetti to $8.50 from $4.00, maintaining a “Buy” rating. Ellis pointed to Rigetti’s progress in scaling quantum systems to handle tasks beyond classical computers’ capabilities. This bullish outlook likely fueled the stock’s latest rally, alongside broader market optimism for quantum computing.

For investors, Rigetti’s sharp climb represents both an opportunity and a cautionary tale. While the company’s advancements signal promise, the sector’s inherent volatility and long commercialization timelines necessitate careful evaluation. Those considering an investment in Rigetti should focus on its technological milestones and financial stability, remaining mindful of the speculative risks that continue to define the quantum computing space.

Early-Stage Tech Sensitivities: Quantum computing is still in its nascent phase, so any news—positive or negative—tends to spark oversized market reactions. When the path to commercialization is uncertain, swings become more pronounced.

• Investors closely watch each new prototype, patent, or demonstration. Missed targets or breakthroughs can trigger abrupt changes in sentiment, leading to rapid price fluctuations.
• Technologies promising radical transformation often follow a hype cycle, where excitement pushes valuations far ahead of actual progress. This pattern can result in dramatic climbs followed by sudden drops when expectations recalibrate.
• Many quantum computing firms are pre-revenue or have limited commercial traction. The lack of stable cash flow makes them more vulnerable to speculation and broad market shifts.
• Frontier tech sectors—like biotech, space exploration, or early internet—have experienced similar volatility in their formative years. Early adopters in these fields often faced severe price swings tied to technological feasibility concerns and investor mood.
• Prominent voices in the tech industry can fuel big moves. Even vague remarks about timelines or feasibility often trigger intense reactions from traders, underscoring how perceptions can overshadow fundamentals.
• While quantum computing holds vast potential, the combination of long development horizons and uncertain breakthroughs means share prices can remain erratic. Investors typically weigh any new advancements against the sector’s inherent risk and unpredictability.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. We do not endorse any specific investment strategies or make recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of any securities.

Featured image credit: Rigetti