We’re back, baby?
Quantum computing and AI stocks are experiencing renewed market enthusiasm as Nvidia‘s annual GTC AI conference brings these technologies back into the spotlight. This surge comes after a period of investor skepticism, with quantum computing stocks having suffered a significant selloff earlier this year following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang‘s January comments dismissing the technology’s near-term practicality. The market’s reaction demonstrates how influential Nvidia’s positioning and announcements remain in shaping investor sentiment across the broader AI and quantum computing landscape.
Why this matters: Nvidia’s decision to dedicate an entire day to quantum computing at its flagship conference signals a potential shift in how the company views this emerging technology’s timeline and relevance.
- Industry participants and investors are watching closely to see if Huang will revise his earlier pessimistic stance on quantum computing’s practical applications.
- The event’s impact on stock prices underscores Nvidia’s outsized influence as a market bellwether for the entire AI and advanced computing ecosystem.
Key market movements: Several quantum computing stocks jumped dramatically as the GTC conference got underway, reflecting investor optimism about potential announcements.
- D-Wave Quantum shares rose 9.4%, Quantum Corp surged 23.1%, and Quantum Computing gained 15.5%.
- AI-linked companies also saw significant gains, with SES AI soaring 30% and Dell Technologies rising 3%.
The big picture: Investor sentiment toward AI and quantum computing stocks has weakened in 2025 amid concerns about Chinese competition and potential impacts from U.S. tariffs.
- Nvidia itself has slumped 11% this year after a meteoric 171% rally in 2024, illustrating how the sector has lost some of its previous momentum.
- The market volatility was evident as some companies, including Rigetti Computing and Nvidia itself, reversed early gains during trading.
What they’re saying: Analysts see the GTC conference as a potential catalyst that could reinvigorate interest in AI and quantum computing investments.
- David Morrison of Trade Nation suggested that “big upward moves” could follow a “broadly positive” presentation from Huang.
- Ken Mahoney, CEO of Mahoney Asset Management, described the event as the “‘Woodstock’ of AI,” emphasizing its cultural significance within the tech industry.
What to watch: Investors are particularly focused on CEO Jensen Huang’s Tuesday keynote address for insights into Nvidia’s strategic direction and product roadmap.
- Nvidia is expected to reveal details about a new chip system and provide updates on its Blackwell Ultra chip.
- The company may also discuss plans in adjacent markets like robotics, potentially signaling expansion beyond its core AI and graphics processing businesses.
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