IonQ's 15min chart shows Bollinger Bands expanding upward, downward.

IonQ's 15-minute chart has recently exhibited an upward trend in Bollinger Bands, signifying an expansion of the upper and lower bands on September 18, 2025 at 15:30. This phenomenon indicates that the market trend is currently being driven by buyer activity, as the price fluctuations are being influenced by upward momentum. Conversely, the expansion of the lower Bollinger Band suggests that the market trend is also being driven by seller activity, as the price fluctuations are being influenced by downward momentum.

Quantum computing stocks experienced a significant boost on Wednesday, with notable gains driven by strategic partnerships, analyst coverage, and investor optimism. The sector's momentum was further fueled by the announcement of a major government partnership, which sent the hot sector even higher.

IonQ Inc. (NYSE: IONQ) was at the forefront of the rally. The company completed the acquisition of Oxford Ionics and entered into a definitive agreement to acquire quantum sensor company Vector Atomic, securing more than $200 million in government contracts Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1]. Needham analyst N. Quinn Bolton maintained a Buy rating and $80 price target on IonQ shares, boosting investor confidence Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1].

After the closing bell, IonQ announced its participation in the Department of Energy's Quantum-in-Space collaboration, which aims to accelerate commercialization and technological leadership in space-based quantum technologies Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1]. Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, "By working alongside the DOE, we aim to demonstrate the power of quantum computing and networking to enable new applications for secure communications" Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1].

IonQ stock rallied to an all-time high on Wednesday and continued climbing in early trading on Thursday Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1]. The company's solid gains were further supported by multiple analyst price target hikes, including a 24.6% increase as of Thursday at 1:10 p.m. ET Why IonQ Stock Was Soaring Today^[2].

Other Quantum Stock Movements

D-Wave Quantum, Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) set a new 52-week high on Wednesday, closing up 18.76% at $22.49, fueled by sector sentiment and data from the company's Tokyo event Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1]. The company showcased an 83% surge in bookings in the Asia Pacific region and a quantum AI drug discovery pilot with Japan Tobacco, as well as a network optimization project with NTT DOCOMO that has already reduced mobile network congestion by 15% Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1].

Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT) jumped by about 4.5% on Wednesday, driven by broader quantum innovation excitement and news about industry advancements Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1]. Lake Street analyst Max Michaelis initiated coverage on Quantum Computing with a Buy rating and a $24 price target Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1].

Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI) announced it was awarded a three-year, $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to advance superconducting quantum networking Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1]. Rigetti stock was trading 10% higher at an all-time high following the announcement on Thursday Quantum Stocks Boom As IonQ, Rigetti Join Government Initiatives^[1].

Conclusion

The upward trend in Bollinger Bands for IonQ's 15-minute chart, as observed on September 18, 2025, at 15:30, signifies an expansion of the upper and lower bands, indicating both buyer and seller activity . This expansion suggests that the market trend is being influenced by upward momentum, driven by buyer activity, and downward momentum, driven by seller activity.

Quantum computing stocks continue to attract investor attention due to their potential to revolutionize various industries. As these companies forge strategic partnerships and secure significant government contracts, their stock prices are likely to remain volatile but potentially lucrative.