Trapped-ion quantum computing leader IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) is emerging as a potential leader in the commercialization of quantum computing through its trapped-ion technology approach. Unlike traditional superconducting quantum competitors,

Toward the end of 2024, shares of quantum computing stocks such as IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, Quantum Computing, and Rigetti Computing all experienced significant run-ups. Curiously, each of these companies was a penny stock at the beginning of 2024 -- only to see its valuation soar well into the billions during a rather short time period.

Quantum computing stocks were red-hot recently, but Jensen Huang just offered optimistic investors a reality check.

Quantum computing will take time to arrive but research is investigating ways to address the technology in Bitcoin.

Though investors saw this as disappointing, there is some reassuring news. Quantum computing is progressing, meaning these companies will likely report accomplishments and milestones in the months and years to come -- and these represent catalysts for quantum computer stocks to climb.

Quantum computing has suddenly become a buzzword on Wall Street. Ever since Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) reported that it hit a new milestone with Willow, its new quantum chip, quantum stocks have been soaring.