Nvidia’s GTC conference sparks quantum computing stock rally after months of skepticism

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.