Dan Ives Thinks Trump Will Invest in This Quantum Computing Stock in 2026. Should You Buy It First?

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration's potential equity investment in quantum computing companies, specifically IonQ and Rigetti, has generated renewed interest among investors in IonQ, although the immediate market reaction has been muted [1][4]. Company Performance - IonQ shares traded in the high-$40s in mid-December, showing a slight increase compared to pre-prediction levels, indicating a restrained investor reaction [2]. - Year-to-date in 2025, IonQ's stock has risen approximately 28%, but this figure conceals significant volatility, with the stock peaking at nearly $84 in October before retracting about 45% of those gains [3]. Market Sentiment - The prediction from Dan Ives has not changed IonQ's current business outlook, as there are no contracts, funding commitments, or timelines associated with it [4]. - Investor interest in IonQ appears to be driven more by speculative curiosity regarding quantum computing rather than tangible operational progress, with the real test being the company's ability to consistently grow commercial revenue and reduce losses [5].