Quantum Surge Ignites Tech Rally Across Markets: IonQ Soars, Korea Joins the Momentum

Aubrey Kim, Correspondent
2025-05-23
조회수 2085


(출처: IonQ 홈페이지)


By Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent | The Value Chain Times


NEW YORK – May 23, 2025 – A powerful rally in quantum computing stocks on Wall Street has sent shockwaves through global markets, triggering strong gains in related Korean equities. IonQ, the flagship quantum computing company, skyrocketed over 36% on the NASDAQ, leading a broader surge driven by investor enthusiasm over the commercialization potential of quantum technology and its integration with artificial intelligence.




Wall Street's Quantum Stars Shine Bright

On May 22 (local time), IonQ shares soared 36.52%, igniting a domino effect across the sector. Rigetti Computing (+26.46%), D-Wave (+23.96%), Quantum Computing Inc. (+14.52%), and MicroAlgo (+38.22%) all posted double-digit gains as capital flooded into quantum plays. The rally was sparked by IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi’s bold projection that the company could become “the Nvidia of quantum computing,” underscoring its ambition to become indispensable to major cloud platforms and even hinting at a potential multibillion-dollar acquisition.


IonQ, a pioneer in ion-trap quantum computers, is widely regarded as the closest to commercial viability. Its momentum has been fueled by strong earnings, a major partnership with Germany’s Jülich Supercomputing Centre, and a series of strategic acquisitions, including LieartThink Technologies.




Korean Tech Stocks Ride the Wave

The ripple effects reached Korea immediately. On May 23, shares of domestic quantum and cybersecurity companies rallied on the KOSDAQ. Korea Advanced Materials jumped over 14% intraday before closing up 3.17%. Xgate (+7.68%), Wooilro (+4.07%), Dream Security (+2.72%), and Woorinet (+2.42%) also posted gains.


Xgate led the surge, buoyed by interest in its quantum encryption and VPN technologies. Individual investors poured over 80 billion KRW into related stocks in five trading days. Wooilro, which specializes in optical distribution and photodiode components for quantum communications, also drew attention. Korea Advanced Materials has been actively involved in national R&D projects for quantum key distribution (QKD) and photonic integrated circuits (QPIC), raising hopes for a domestic quantum network rollout.




AI and Quantum Convergence Fuel Investor Optimism

Fueling the surge is a growing consensus that quantum computing is nearing real-world application. Google’s lead quantum engineer Julian Kelly recently stated that "use cases exclusive to quantum computers will emerge within five years." IonQ has already inked deals with autonomous EV firm Einride to apply its tech to logistics optimization.


Quantum computing promises breakthroughs in cryptography, drug discovery, finance, and supply chain logistics—fields where classical computers fall short. When coupled with AI, quantum systems could revolutionize data processing, machine learning speeds, and security.




Anthropic Unveils Claude Opus 4 AI Model

The momentum isn't limited to quantum. On May 22, AI startup Anthropic launched its most advanced models yet—Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4. Claude Opus 4 is designed for high-end coding applications, capable of seven hours of continuous output. Backed by Amazon and Google, Anthropic is seen as a key challenger to OpenAI in the evolving AI arms race.




Retail Frenzy Meets Institutional Caution

While retail investors have been aggressive—net buying over 80 billion KRW worth of quantum-related shares—foreign institutions and hedge funds have taken profits, net selling nearly the same amount. This divergence highlights the extreme volatility that defines the sector. IonQ, for example, has surged over 450% in a year, but experienced sudden 20% drops after short-seller reports.


Uncertainty over commercialization timelines, competitive pressures, and profitability remain key risks.




Key Players and Strategic Outlook


Company

Sector

Recent Highlights

IonQ

Quantum (Ion Trap)

Earnings beat, M&A, major partnerships

Xgate

Quantum Encryption

Quantum VPN, military & public sector deals

Korea Advanced Materials

Optical/Quantum Comms

Leading QKD, QPIC development

Wooilro

Optical Components

Core infrastructure, IP portfolio

Anthropic

AI (Coding/Assistant)

Claude Opus 4 and Sonnet 4 debut

Google, IBM, Microsoft

Big Tech

Leading global R&D in quantum and AI




Looking Ahead: Opportunity with Caution

The excitement surrounding quantum and AI technologies has reached a fever pitch. For the first time, investors are treating these once-hypothetical breakthroughs as imminent market realities. Still, the path to commercialization is uncertain, and the market remains vulnerable to sudden sentiment shifts.


Experts advise maintaining a balanced approach: “Quantum computing and AI are paradigm-shifting innovations, but the sector is highly volatile. Diversification and long-term strategies are key to capturing upside while managing risk.”


As we near the midpoint of 2025, the next era of digital transformation—driven by quantum and AI—is no longer science fiction. It's here, and markets are taking notice.



Copyright © The Value Chain Times. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use for AI training are strictly prohibited.

[The Value Chain Times = Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent]

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