Quantum Computing Stocks Experience Surge in Unusual Options Activity

Trading activity in the quantum computing sector intensified on Wednesday, as D-Wave Quantum Inc (QBTS) and Rigetti Computing Inc (RGTI) saw options volumes approach their average daily share trading levels. This surge in derivative activity often signals anticipation of volatility or specific price targets among traders in the speculative technology space. For D-Wave Quantum, options volume reached 189,128 contracts, representing approximately 18.9 million underlying shares. This volume equates to 92.1% of the stock's average daily trading volume of 20.5 million shares over the past month. Market participants showed particular interest in the $20 strike call option expiring April 17, 2026, with 18,482 contracts traded. Simultaneously, Rigetti Computing experienced a volume of 215,530 contracts, representing approximately 21.6 million underlying shares. This figure accounts for 87.2% of RGTI's average daily trading volume of 24.7 million shares. Unlike the bullish trend seen in QBTS, RGTI activity was concentrated in the $14 strike put option expiring July 17, 2026, which saw 30,230 contracts traded. The divergence between the bullish call activity in QBTS and the bearish put activity in RGTI highlights a fragmented outlook for quantum computing players. As the industry evolves, traders appear to be taking highly specific directional bets on individual company performance rather than a broad sector move.